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By Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Kitakyushu, Japan
Wales manager Warren Gatland has been”shocked” when backs coach Rob Howley was sent home from the World Cup for an alleged gambling breach.
But he believes the setback won’t violate the group from Japan.
Howley’s departure came just six days prior to Wales’ opening match against Pool D competitions Georgia.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips confirmed there would be an evaluation.
“You have to deal with adversity occasionally, and it is the way you react and respond to that,” said Gatland.
“We’re shocked. The Union are coping with this, and that my focus must be on the five times in terms of preparing the squad.
“I must say that the gamers in the last 24 hours have really stepped up and they’ve been incredibly resilient and responsible, and at times that attracts teams closer together.”
“At the moment, all these are allegations. Apparently, the allegations devastated Rob. That is all I could say.”
Information of Howley’s death emerged on Tuesday, together using the WRU affirming that the 48-year-old had”returned to Wales to assist with an investigation” in relation to a possible breach of gambling on rugby.
World Rugby’s law 6.3.1 reads:”No connected person shall, directly or indirectly, bet and/or try to wager on the results or some other aspect of any associated event and/or receive and/or attempt to receive part or all of the profits of any such bet and/or any other benefit regarding a bet.”
Phillips explained the WRU was initially informed of the violation by the integrity team of a business last Wednesday, when Wales’ squad were travelling to Japan.
Phillips and other senior WRU figures arrived in Japan on Monday and later that day he fulfilled Howley, who he said was”very cooperative”.
“Then we had another meeting later that day and decided that the ideal course of action would be for Rob to return to Wales,” explained Phillips.
“We’re on the eve of the World Cup, the largest tournament we play , and that was a variable.
“But, equally, we were very aware that we needed to act quickly and be crucial. That’s precisely what we’ve done.
“I’m also very conscious that there are rather a broad array of stakeholders that we represent. How important and the Welsh public this tournament is on them not least.
“Finally, it turned into a serious allegation about Rob. He’s our worker and now we all have a duty of care to his welfare is important to us.”
Players and coaches are informed about gambling regulations but Phillips said the alleged breach of Howley didn’t reflect on the approach of the WRU.
“I wouldn’t call it embarrassing. The important point to us was that as and when we had been alarmed it’s what you can do,” he explained.
“It is very tough to get something about something you do not know about. I’m pleased in the way we and World Rugby have responded – exactly what we’re seeing is taking the allegation seriously.
“They [coaches and players] get briefings [about gambling regulations] to a regular basis and they sign to confirm they know what’s required of these on a regular basis so without a shadow of a doubt I believe folks in Baseball understand what’s required of them.”
Wales have delivered to fill the gap made by the sudden departure of Howley, in which they confront Georgia on Monday and also the Scarlets backs coach will join the squad on Thursday at Toyota.
Jones has been confirmed as the next Wales backs coach under Wayne Pivac, who will take the reins from Gatland after the tournament.
“I’ve spoken to him [Jones] and said regarding the game plan we’ve got for Georgia it’ll be different for different games,” said Gatland.
“He’s familiar with some of the things and has been watching the games too. It is important he’s got an opportunity introduce them and to deliver his thoughts.
“We’re planning for the second match and we have spoken to the senior players around keeping and that a couple of things our sleeves up.
“It’s no different to the message we deliver to the players – we are not arrogant enough not to take thoughts on board. If Stephen does this great. It was a positive dialogue.
“It hasn’t really shifted our preparation. We’ve put things in place. [Skills coach] Neil Jenkins has a large amount of expertise. Dan Biggar and Rhys Patchell have obtained on a huge amount of obligation , senior players and backs as well.
“There’s a lot already set up concerning preparations for Monday – it’s important we train well in the next few days and make ourselves ready.”
When news of Howley’s departure broke, tuesday, was also Gatland’s 56th birthday.
Regardless of the chance of being without the man who was at his side Gatland did afford himself a wry smile.
“I’ve had better birthdays for certain,” he explained.
“It is all part of the life encounter ”
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Read more: https://www.woodexperience.be/2019/10/25/harry-gagnons-top-college-football-week-7-takes/
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