Rob Howley returns to Welsh rugby after betting ban

Rob Howley will make a return to the backroom staff of Wales ahead of the Six Nations next year after a four-year hiatus.

Howley has been appointed for the role of technical coach after Jonathan Thomas left the coaching group headed by Warren Gatland.

The 53-year-old will reunite with Gatland - who was the head coach when Howley received a ban of 18 months from the rugby union, half of which was suspended, after he breached World Rugby anti-corruption and betting regulations.

"It feels to me like the time is right and I'm really looking forward to returning to the fold with Wales," Howley said in a Welsh Rugby Union statement.

"I have a second opportunity to do a job I've dedicated my working life to and I'm grateful to everyone in Welsh rugby for their acceptance and their faith in me, it's faith I intend to repay to the best of my ability.

"I have been through an extremely challenging time in my life. Speaking out and talking about it has enabled me to move forward."

Following the suspension, Howley joined Canada in a senior assistant coach role in September 2020 and will also have additional responsibility of working closely with men's and boys' pathway and also assisting new Wales Under-20s head coach Richard Whiffin.

Wales head coach Gatland is delighted by the return of Howley.

"Rob is one of the most successful and experienced Welsh coaches on the international arena at the moment," said Gatland.

"When we lost Rob from Welsh rugby we lost a hugely significant amount of intellectual property, knowledge of the game in Wales and of the international scene.

"We are delighted that he will be joining the 2024 coaching team and it's a major coup for Welsh rugby to have secured his services once again."