![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/2.39482482.jpg\")
Wales\u2019 bid for World Cup glory has been thrown into disarray after assistant head coach Rob Howley was sent home from the tournament in Japan.<\/p>\nWales\u2019 bid for World Cup glory has been thrown into disarray after assistant head coach Rob Howley was sent home from the tournament in Japan.<\/p>\n
Former Wales captain and scrum-half Howley left Wales\u2019 training camp on Monday following an alleged breach of World Rugby\u2019s regulation six which covers anti-corruption and betting.<\/p>\n
Howley has worked alongside Wales head coach Warren Gatland since January 2008.<\/p>\n
The 48-year-old was always going to leave his role in the Welsh set-up after the World Cup, but his international coaching future is now in tatters.<\/p>\n
Howley was recently linked with succeeding Conor O\u2019Shea as Italy head coach following the tournament.<\/p>\n
Howley won 59 caps for Wales and skippered his country on 22 occasions in a glittering career which saw him play for Bridgend, Cardiff and Wasps.<\/p>\n
As a coach, he was assistant with the British & Irish Lions on three straight tours in 2009, 2013 and 2017.<\/p>\n
He has coached Wales on an interim basis on 20 occasions and led the team to the 2013 Six Nations title.<\/p>\n
Howley attended Wales\u2019 open training session in Kitakyushu on Monday, but he was not present at the team\u2019s official welcome and capping ceremony later that evening.<\/p>\n
Wales face Georgia in Toyota in their World Cup opener on Monday.<\/p>\n
A Welsh Rugby Union statement read: \u201cThe WRU can confirm that Rob Howley has returned to Wales to assist with an investigation in relation to a potential breach of World Rugby regulation 6, specifically betting on rugby union.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe decision was taken to act immediately in light of recent information passed to the WRU.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo further details can be provided at this stage as this would prejudice the investigation. If required an independent panel will be appointed to hear the case.<\/p>\n
\u201cRob has co-operated fully with our initial discussions and we would ask that the media appreciate this is a difficult and personal matter for Rob and that his privacy is respected before an outcome is reached.<\/p>\n
\u201cWarren Gatland has consulted with senior players and Stephen Jones will be arriving in Japan imminently to link up with the squad as attack coach.\u201d<\/p>\n