Rob Howley banned for betting breaches

Former Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has been suspended from all involvement in rugby for 18 months, nine of which are suspended, for breaching betting regulations.

Howley returned home from Japan shortly before the 2019 World Cup began after the Welsh Rugby Union became aware of possible wrongdoing.

The ban is backdated to the time of his initial withdrawal from the global showpiece on September 16, enabling him to be able to take up a post in rugby from June 16.

A statement from the Welsh Rugby Union read: “After a thorough and detailed investigation by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), Howley’s case was heard in Cardiff by an independent panel, chaired by Sir Wyn Williams. The panel has submitted its decision, which has been shared with World Rugby.

“Howley was withdrawn from his duties with Wales ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup as soon as the WRU became aware of a potential breach of regulations and an investigation was immediately launched.

“The suspension is backdated to the time of his initial withdrawal from the World Cup, on the 16th September 2019, meaning Howley would be free to return to the game on or after 16th June 2020.

“The decision, which has been published in full, comprehensively covers the charges and mitigating features considered by the panel.

“As such, no further comment will be made by the WRU or Rob Howley on this subject at this time and media are requested to please respect his privacy and that of his family with this in mind.”

BREAKING: Rob Howley banned for 18 months with nine months suspended for breaching World Rugby rules on betting. Howley had a total of 363 bets which included Wales games and backing Wales players as first try scorers.

— Alex Bywater (@_AlexBywater) December 16, 2019

In the written decision released by the WRU, it is revealed that in October Howley was charged with making 364 bets on rugby union over a four-year period, using accounts with three different bookmakers held in his own name.

Howley “received the proceeds (or part of the proceeds) of the successful bets” and the former Lions scrum-half accepted the charge “without qualification”.

The WRU’s policy and integrity manager Jeremy Rogers was contacted by an employee of Betway who claimed that Howley had placed bets on Wales games.

At a September meeting to explain the process for the investigation it was noted that Howley was “visibly upset” and said “I’m putting my hands up. If I was being evasive, I wouldn’t have used my works mobile phone and email account”.

It emerged that he placed a bet on a Wales player to be the first try-scorer in the 25-7 Six Nations victory over Ireland in March, but Howley stated that it was part of a treble bet, adding that it was part and parcel of his normal recreational betting activity.

However, he then conceded that he knew betting on matches involving Wales was a breach of World Rugby anti-corruption and betting regulations.