CONFIRMED: Wales coach sent home amid 'betting scandal'

NEWS: Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has been sent home from the Rugby World Cup just six days before the team is set to open their campaign in Japan.

It was reported that the attack coach was sent home from the camp on Monday, following a supposed breach of World Rugby’s regulation which is involved with anti-corruption and betting.

Wales Rugby Union released a statement confirming that the news that 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.

The news has certainly shocked the Welsh side ahead of their  Pool D World Cup opener with Georgia in Toyota City.

Howley has been head coach Warren Gatland’s right-hand man for the last 11 years and was reported to be on the shortlist to succeed Gatland when the New Zealander’s tenure comes to an end after the World Cup in Japan.

However, he ruled himself out of staying on with the set-up; and has said a return to club rugby was his preference.

Stephen Jones will now take over from Howley with immediate effect.