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October 20, 2019 | Empowerment

We and our partners use technologies, like cookies, and gather info that is browsing to provide you with the best internet experience and to personalise the content and advertising shown for you. Please let us know whether you agree. By Dafydd Pritchard BBC Sport Wales in Kitakyushu, Japan Wales manager Warren Gatland has been”shocked” when backs coach Rob Howley was sent home in the World Cup to an alleged gambling breach. However, he believes the setback will not derail the team in Japan. Howley’s departure came just six days before Wales’ opening game. Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips confirmed there would be an investigation. “You have to manage hardship at times, and it is the way you respond and respond to this,” said Gatland. “We were shocked. The Union are currently dealing with this, and my attention has to be concerning preparing the squad about the five times. “I have to say that the gamers in the last 24 hours have stepped up and they have been exceptionally resilient and responsible, and at times that brings teams closer together.” “At the moment, all these are allegations. Evidently, Rob was devastated by the allegations. That’s all I will say.” News of Howley’s death appeared on Tuesday, with the WRU verifying that the 48-year-old had”returned to Wales to help with an investigation” in relation to a prospective breach of betting on rugby. World Rugby’s regulation 6.3.1 reads:”No linked person will, directly or indirectly, wager or try to bet on the result or any element of any connected event and/or get and/or try to receive part or all of the proceeds of any such bet or some other advantage in relation to a wager.” Phillips explained the WRU was first informed of the alleged violation by a business last Wednesday, when Wales’ team traveled to Japan’s ethics group. Phillips and other mature WRU figures came in Japan on Monday and later that day he met Howley, who he said has been”very cooperative”. “We then had a second meeting after that day and determined the perfect plan of action would be for Rob to return to Wales,” explained Phillips. “We are on the eve of the World Cup, the largest tournament we play in, and that was a factor. “But, equally, we were very aware that we needed to act quickly and be crucial. That is exactly what we’ve done. “I am also very conscious that there are rather a wide range of stakeholders that we represent. The Welsh people and how important this tournament would be always to them, not least. “Lastly, it turned out to be a serious allegation about Rob. He is our employee and we all have a duty of care for him and his welfare is valuable to us” Coaches and players have been informed about betting regulations but Phillips stated Howley violation did not reflect poorly on the strategy of the WRU. “I would not call it awkward. The crucial point for us was that as and when we had been alarmed it’s what you do,” he explained. “It’s very tough to get something about something that you don’t know about. I’m pleased in how we and World Rugby have responded – exactly what we’re currently seeing is rugby taking the allegation seriously. “They [coaches and players] get briefings [about gambling regulations] on a regular basis and they sign to confirm they understand what’s required of them on a regular basis so without a shadow of a doubt I believe people in rugby know what’s demanded of them” Wales have delivered to fill the gap left by the sudden departure of Howley, and the Scarlets backs trainer will join the squad on Thursday where they confront Georgia on Monday. Jones, a former Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half, has been confirmed as the Wales backs coach under Wayne Pivac, who’ll take the reins from Gatland following the tournament. “I’ve talked to him [Jones] and stated regarding the game plan we have obtained for Georgia it will be different for other games,” said Gatland. “He is familiar with some of the things and has been watching the games also. It is important he has an chance to deliver his thoughts and introduce them. “We’re planning for the second match and we’ve spoken to the older players around keeping and that one or two things up our sleeves. “It is no different to the message we send to the gamers – we are not arrogant enough to not take ideas on board. If Stephen does this then terrific. It turned out to be a dialogue that is positive. “It hasn’t really altered our preparation. We have set items in place. [Skills trainer ] Neil Jenkins has a large amount of experience. Rhys Patchell and dan Biggar have taken on a huge quantity of backs players and responsibility . “There is a lot already in place concerning trainings for Monday – it is important we train nicely in the upcoming few days and get ourselves prepared.” When news of Howley’s departure broke, tuesday, was the 56th birthday of Gatland cake. Despite the disappointment of being with no man who has been at his side Gatland did afford himself a wry grin. “I’ve had better birthdays for sure,” he said. “It’s all part of the life experience.” Listen again: the guide to RWC captaincy of Sam Warburton Select your players in the listing below Can not find this selector? Stop by this page: Pick your Wales XV to perform with Georgia All images in the selector in Huw Evans Images. Read more:

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