Rob Howley handed 18-month ban for betting offences

Former Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has been banned for 18 months after proved guilty of breaching World Rugby Anti-Corruption and Betting Regulations.

Howley, who joined Wales in 2008 was sent home ahead of his side's World Cup campaign in September and after three months of investigation, the former scrum-half admitted placing 363 bets with a variety of bookmakers involving more than 1,000 matches including games involving Wales.

With nine of Howley's ban period suspended, the 49-year-old is set to return to rugby in June 2020.

"After a thorough and detailed investigation by the Welsh Rugby Union, Howley’s case was heard in Cardiff by an independent panel, chaired by Sir Wyn Williams," read a statement from the Welsh Rugby Union.

"The panel has submitted its decision, which has been shared with World Rugby."

According to the reports of the investigation, it is understood that Howley also placed bets on Wales players on who will be the first one to score a try with one of the match being the Six Nations Grand Slam victory over Ireland earlier this year.

According to Howley's admission and findings of the panel, it is also learnt that the former backs coach lost £4,000 over the last five years in his betting activity.

Earlier in September when the news broke out, Warren Gatland, who was in charge of Wales said his side were left shocked by the betting allegations on Howley.

."We were shocked by it," said Gatland.

"At the moment, these are allegations. Rob is devastated by the allegations.

"It took a bit of time to sink in. It is now how we turn a difficult situation into a positive one.

"I texted Rob to see how he got home and that he was OK."