Wales betting scandal rocks Rugby World Cup

The 2019 Rugby World Cup does not start until Friday, but Wales’ campaign is already on the rocks after assistant coach Rob Howley was sent home to address allegations of illicit betting activity.

The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed on Tuesday that Howley, who missed the squad’s welcoming ceremony in Kitakyushu this week, had returned to the United Kingdom and would be replaced by former international fly-half Stephen Jones.

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“Rob 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 WRU said in a statement.

“The decision was taken to act immediately in light of recent information passed to the WRU. No further details can be provided at this stage as this would prejudice the investigation.

“If required an independent panel will be appointed to hear the case. Rob has co-operated fully with our initial discussions.

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“Warren Gatland has consulted with senior players and Stephen Jones will be arriving in Japan imminently to link up with the squad as attack coach.”

Jones was already slated as the next Wales backs coach under Wayne Pivac, who will succeed Gatland in the top job at the end of the Rugby World Cup.

Nevertheless, the news leaves the Welsh squad in turmoil only days before their opening match of the tournament against Georgia next Monday.

Wales headed to Japan as a +1100 chance in the RWC outright betting at Bovada, but those odds may drift out over the coming days.

Gatland’s men are currently -140.85 favourites to finish top of Pool D, which also contains Australia (+120), Fiji (+4400), and the minnow pair of Georgia and Uruguay (both +50000).