Rob Howley has stepped down from his role (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
Rob Howley is set to step down from his role as ‘ Six Nations attack coach with immediate effect. This follows the departure of head coach Warren Gatland earlier this week, with Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt stepping in temporarily for Wales’ remaining matches against Ireland, Scotland and England.
After Gatland’s exit, there was speculation about the future of Howley and the rest of Gatland’s coaching team, which includes Jonathan Humphreys, Neil Jenkins and Mike Forshaw.
Now, it has been confirmed that Howley, who replaced Alex King as attack coach ahead of the Six Nations, will leave Wales’ tournament coaching team immediately before their final three games.
He remains under contract with the WRU. The WRU has announced only Howley’s departure, with Humphreys, Jenkins and Forshaw expected to remain until the end of the Championship.
It was also revealed on Thursday that Liam Williams and Owen Watkin have left the Wales squad, with Jarrod Evans, Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn being called up. Howley had faced criticism from fans following Wales’ lacklustre attacking performances against France and Italy, and his close association with Gatland had also put his position at risk.
WRU CEO Abi Tierney has addressed speculation over the future of Matt Howley following Gatland’s recent departure, urging patience. Speaking on the matter, Tierney remarked: “Matt has had less than 24 hours to process this ask and I’m so pleased he has, but now I think we need to give him a little bit of time to process what the next steps are. Let’s give some time for Matt to work that one through.”
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Warren Gatland stepped down earlier this week (Image: Getty)
Howley made a headline-grabbing comeback to Wales’ coaching team for last year’s Six Nations after a four-year hiatus.
In December 2019, he faced an 18-month ban from rugby—nine of which were suspended—for violating World Rugby’s betting protocols.
Before his suspension, the ex-scrum-half was a vital figure in Gatland’s coaching squad as the attack coach over an 11-year span, helping steer Wales to four Six Nations championships, including three Grand Slams, and serving as attack coach on the 2009, 2012, and 2017 British and Irish Lions tours.