Former Walsh assistant coach Rob Howley has been banned from all involvement in rugby for 18 months after breaching anti-corruption and betting regulations, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have confirmed today.
Howley, who departed Japan shortly before the World Cup commenced in September after the WRU became aware of a potential breach of regulations, has had nine of those months suspended and will be available for a return to the sport next summer.
"The suspension is backdated to the time of his initial withdrawal from the World Cup on the 16th September 2019," the WRU's statement confirmed, "meaning Howley would be free to return to the game on or after 16th June 2020."
British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland, right, and attack coach Rob Howley during the Third Test match between New Zealand All Blacks and the British & Irish Lions at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/SportsfileThe 49-year-old former Wales captain had been part of Warren Gatland’s coaching team since 2008.
Rob Howley enjoyed an impressive playing career, making 59 appearances for Wales and captaining his country on 22 occasions.
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