Rob Howley banned for breach of betting regulations

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 autumn’s 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 will be able to take up a post in rugby from June 16.