Warren Gatland believes that Rob Howley needs to be forgiven for breaching betting guidelines and be allowed the chance to presumably rejoin Wales’ teaching workers.
Former Wales assault coach Howley was despatched residence from Japan on the eve of the 2019 World Cup and he subsequently acquired an 18-month ban from rugby, 9 of which have been suspended.
Howley has since rebuilt his teaching profession with Canada and it’s thought he was a front-runner to work with Gatland following his return as Wales boss final month.
It is known, although, that any transfer for Howley was blocked by senior figures inside the Welsh Rugby Union.
The make-up of Gatland’s teaching group was accomplished on Tuesday, with Jonathan Thomas (contact space), becoming a member of Alex King (assault), Jonathan Humphreys (forwards), Mike Forshaw (defence) and kicking specialist Neil Jenkins.
“I have got a huge amount of respect for Rob as a rugby coach,” Gatland stated.
“I suppose the information given to me was that the timing wasn’t right.
“You would like to think that if anyone was going to be forgiving it would be the Welsh forgiving their own.
“It has been over three years now, but that is not the case at the moment.
“Hopefully, Rob will continue to be involved in rugby. He has been involved with Canada and he has had the backing of World Rugby, who have been funding that position.
“I just think I would like to see him involved at the highest possible level again in the future.”
Gatland has named a 37-man squad for this season’s Six Nations, which Wales kick off towards Ireland in Cardiff on February 4.
And whereas Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit is a part of that group, he’s unlikely to be concerned within the Ireland sport or towards Scotland seven days later due to an ankle damage.
“We are hoping he will be available for the England game (on February 25),” Gatland added.
“We want to have the ability to give him some treatment and having a new attack coach to work with him as well. The indications are he should be up and running for the England game.”
Gatland, in the meantime, stated he’s trying ahead to a World Cup conflict towards Australia in Lyon on September 24, when former England boss Eddie Jones will likely be within the Wallabies’ nook as their new head coach.
“I am sure he will bring his own unique style into that Australian role,” Gatland stated.
“It was quite a shock they removed Dave Rennie so quickly and appointed Eddie. They feel he can come in and do a job.
“England have obviously been pretty successful against Australia over recent years since Eddie has been involved and coaching England. It’s definitely something to look forward to.”
