Jonathan Thomas on brink of Wales job but Gatland's bid to bring back Howley is opposed

Jonathan Thomas is on the verge of being appointed as contact skills coach for Wales. Rob Howley's return to the job has hit the rocks as the Welsh Rugby Union is opposed to it. Mark Jones is being considered as a replacement. Warren Gatland will be back in Wales next week. He will reunite with his former blindside flanker Thomas. He made changes last week by dispensing with Stephen Jones and Gethin Jenkins.