Rob Howley sent home following allegations of 'betting offences'

Wales have been dealt a major blow ahead of their World Cup campaign with attack coach Rob Howley sent home following allegations of betting offences.

According to WalesOnline, it is reported that Howley had placed bets on Welsh fixtures for the showpiece event and is alleged to have breached regulation six of World Rugby which covers anti-corruption and betting.

The report further added that Stephen Jones has joined Warren Gatland's backroom staff ahead of their tournament opener against Georgia in Aichi.

Howley has been part of Wales backroom staff since 2008 and helped them to three Grand Slams and four Six Nations titles. He was also in charge of Wales during their 2013 Six Nations triumph when head coach Gatland was busy with British and Irish Lions.

The 48-year-old also was an assistant coach of British and Irish Lions when they went on to win the 2013 series against Australia and the 2017 drawn series in New Zealand and was tipped to take Italy job post World Cup.