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From Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Kitakyushu, Japan
Wales boss Warren Gatland has been”shocked” when backs coach Rob Howley was sent home in the World Cup to get an alleged betting breach.
He considers the setback will not violate the team in Japan.
Howley’s departure came only six days before Wales’ opening game.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips confirmed there will be an evaluation.
“You have to deal with hardship occasionally, and it’s how you react and react to that,” said Gatland.
“We’re shocked. This is being dealt with by the Union, and that my focus has to be in terms of preparing the squad for the match against Georgia on the subsequent five times.
“I must say that the players at the previous 24 hours have really stepped up and they’ve been exceptionally resilient and responsible, and sometimes that brings teams closer together.”
“At the present time, all these are allegations. Evidently, Rob was devastated by the allegations. That is all I could say.”
Information of Howley’s death appeared on Tuesday, using the WRU verifying that the 48-year-old had”returned to Wales to assist with an investigation” in relation to a possible breach of betting on rugby.
World Rugby’s law 6.3.1 reads:”No linked person will, directly or indirectly, bet or attempt to bet on the results or some other facet of any connected occasion and/or get and/or try to receive part or all the profits of such a bet and/or any other benefit regarding a wager.”
Phillips stated the WRU was informed of the violation by a business last Wednesday, when Wales’ squad traveled to Japan’s ethics group.
Phillips and other senior WRU figures arrived in Japan on Monday and later that day he met Howley, who he said was”very cooperative”.
“Then we had a second meeting later that day and decided that the perfect plan of action would be for Rob to return to Wales,” explained Phillips.
“We’re on the eve of the World Cup, the largest tournament we play in, and that was a factor.
“But, equally, we were very aware that we needed to act quickly and be crucial. That’s precisely what we’ve done.
“I am also very aware that there are rather a wide array of stakeholders that we represent. The Welsh people and just how important this tournament would be to them, not least.
“Finally, it was a serious allegation about Rob. He’s our employee and now we have a duty of care for his welfare is important to us”
Players and coaches have been educated about betting regulations but Phillips stated the alleged violation of Howley didn’t reflect on the approach of the WRU.
“I would not call it awkward. The essential point to us was as and when we were alarmed it is what you can do,” he explained.
“It is very hard to get something about something you do not know about. I am pleased in how we and World Rugby have responded – what we’re seeing is taking the allegation seriously.
“They [coaches and players] get briefings [about betting regulations] to a regular basis and they sign to confirm they understand what is required of them on a regular basis so without a shadow of a doubt I think people in Baseball understand what’s demanded of them”
Wales have sent for Stephen Jones to fill the gap made by the unexpected departure of Howley, in which they confront Georgia on Monday and the Scarlets backs trainer will join the squad on Thursday at Toyota.
Jones has been confirmed as another Wales backs coach under Wayne Pivac, who will take the reins out of Gatland after the tournament.
“I have talked to him [Jones] and stated with regard to the game plan we have got for Georgia it will be different for different games,” said Gatland.
“He’s familiar with some of the things and has been watching the matches also. It’s important he has an chance present them and to bring his thoughts.
“We’re planning for the next match and we have spoken to the senior players about keeping and that a couple of things our sleeves up.
“It’s no different to this message we deliver to the players – we’re not arrogant enough not to take thoughts on board. If Stephen does that then great. It turned out to be a positive dialogue.
“It has not really changed our preparation. We have set items in place. [Skills trainer ] Neil Jenkins has a huge amount of expertise. Rhys Patchell and dan Biggar have taken on a massive quantity of senior players obligation and backs too.
“There is a lot already in place in terms of preparations for Monday – it’s important we train well in the upcoming few days and get ourselves prepared.”
When information of the death of Howley broke, tuesday, was Gatland’s 56th birthday.
Regardless of the disappointment of being without the man who was at his side Gatland did manage himself a wry smile.
“I have had better birthdays for sure,” he explained.
“It’s all part of the life experience”
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Read more: http://www.nemetvolgyiantikvarium.hu/2019/10/22/nhl-daily-lines/