Rob Howley breaks silence on Wales return and reveals it took him 18 months to get through the dark times
Rob Howley has given his first press conference after dramatically returning to the Wales fold. He told reporters he had no idea about the offer from the WRU until Tuesday and that it took him 18 months to get through the dark times after being forced to walk away from Wales in 2019 following a betting scandal.
The former scrum half has been added to Warren Gatland's coaching team ahead of the 2024 Six Nations and will replace Jonathan Thomas as a skills coach but will also work closely with new U20s head coach Richard Whiffin and oversee the men's pathway as a whole.
Howley was a critical part of Gatland's coaching team between 2008 and 2019 helping Wales win four Six Nations titles before getting banned for breaching World Rugby's betting protocols during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. But after serving his time Gatland has brought Howley back to Welsh rugby as part of his coaching team as he looks to build a team capable of competing at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Howley will hold court for the first time today at 2pm at a press conference, with live updates and reaction below.
Gatland said: “Rob is one of the most successful and experienced Welsh coaches on the international arena at the moment. When we lost Rob from Welsh rugby, we lost a hugely significant amount of intellectual property, knowledge of the game in Wales and of the international scene. I’m delighted to welcome him back into this new role."
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Having worked with the golden generation, is there talent coming through, Rob?
Howley: "I’ve been a mad fan over the last couple of months and I’ve got some homework to do. But seeing some games and seeing the youngsters playing in the URC. If you go back six or seven years, you wouldn’t see that. Understanding those budget constraints, that’s giving an opportunity to those players. I’ve no doubt there’s talent in Wales and it’s up to us bring it through."
Will you work closely with the Welsh regions, Rob?
Howley: "Absolutely. With the academies, you’ve got all the coaches involved. It enables us to work with them and go out to the regions. Visibility is so important in my role, watching training sessions and that makes training that day matter. It’s about sending that message from the Union that we’re investing in young talent. I know some of the coaches have been in the regions recently. To have that relationship better can only benefit the game."
Howley on succession planning the under 20s for the national side
Howley: "Hopefully. In terms of the way Richard wants to play, he’s got his own coaching and rugby philosophy. Players, when they step up, they’ll understand the international game if we can filter in pressure."
What can we expect from Wales under 20s, Richard?
Whiffin: "The great thing is our younger players are getting more game time. That'll only fast-track their learning. We’ll get in front of them in the new year and work together as a new coaching group. That comes back to alignment with the seniors."
Richard Whiffin on the biggest part of development in recent times
Whiffin: "I think coaching is a journey. I’ve coached youngsters at Gloucester, the women and the pro side of the game. I’ve been lucky enough to coach someone of the calibre of Aaron Smith. You’ve got to use those experiences you gain and pick the right tool."
Brushing up on contact skills for coaching, Rob?
Howley: "I’ve done it before with Warren and with Rugby Canada. I feel I’m a more rounded coach. When working with a Tier Two country, those resources aren’t there. You have to be more articulate with other parts of the game."
Howley on his pathway role
Howley: "I think it’s a team. It’s not just one person. The identifying of those young kids and the path they’re on. I think the transition from 19 to 21 is so important. We’ve seen that in the regions over the last couple of months, young players being given opportunities to play. There may be short-term pain, but exposing players can only better their develop."
Is rugby more accepting after Farrell's decision to step away, Rob?
Howley: "I think so. For Owen to make that decision, it’s been described as a watershed moment. We don’t understand the pressures of rugby and that filters down the age-grade. It’s important we support those players who feel they need that support."
Howley seeked help and got it
Howley: "One of my conversations with Nigel and Rob was about sharing those experiences I had in 2019. I identified I needed help and I sought help. It took me a good 18 months to get through those dark times. Any help I can offer to those players who need to talk and reach out, I’m there if they so require it."
Over to Richard Whiffin now
What will it be like working with Rob?
"It’s going to be amazing. Frislty to build a relationship with him, 160-odd Tests, is going to be invaluable."
Questions to Nigel Walker now
Why now, Nigel?
Walker: "It’s been debated at board a number of times. Richard and I met with Rob. He spelled out in uncertain terms why what happened, happened."
Howley on family
Howley: "They’ve supported me immensely over the years. The girls were in the final years of their studies and GCSEs four years ago. The fact we’ve got through that. I’m sure there’ll be a celebration this weekend."
What is your role?
Howley: "My remit is the unstructured part of the game - kick returns, turnovers, catch-pass skills. Working within a coaching team, we all help each other. I see that no different. I’m here to help Alex. Our first-phase attack was outstanding."
Has Warren helped you and supported you?
Howley: "Of course. It’s about building relationships. The key thing in sport is trust and the one thing me and Warren have is trust. What happened in 2019 and the trust he showed me is unbelievable.
"It’s about looking forward now. I’m looking forward to getting to know Richard. He’s been working with Aaron Smith at the Highlanders, so I’ll learn off him as well."
How important has Gatland been to you?
Howley: "He’s probably the best coach I’ve ever worked with. No one really outside of the team thought they’d get out of the pool. I’ve kept in contact with Warren and he’s very professional. This was a surprise for me. When I went through the process, I didn’t know this would be the outcome."
How are you feeling, Rob?
Howley: "It’s a special place. I’m a proud and passionate Welshman. I didn’t think this day would come. I can only thank Nigel and the board for their efforts. That decision came yesterday. To go through the process for the U20s role, it wasn’t easy. Being on the interview process with Warren Gatland on the other side."
Questioning has begun
Rob, did you think this day would come?
Howley: "No. I mentioned having a second chance. My experience over the last four years with Rugby Canada and the resilience I’ve gone through, I feel I’m a better person and a better coach."
Richard Whiffin's opening statement
"Delighted to be here and back working with the WRU. Extremely excited to work with Rob and someone of his calibre in the game."
Rob Howley's opening statement
"I’m just absolutely delighted to be back. It’s been a tough one, the last year. From my perspective, the way the chair and Nigel Walker have been over the last six months. They’ve listened and the belief they’ve given in me. I only knew about this decision yesterday. I can’t wait to work with Richard. I feel the experience I’ve had and my time with Canada, hopefully that pathway is going to be a very exciting one."
Nigel Walker's opening statement
"What you see in front of you today is the culmination of a process for the last two months to hire an under-20s coach to replace Mark Jones. It became obvious this was the right outcome, with Rob Howley to join Warren’s senior team but work closely with Richard Whiffin on the pathway to have a greater coherency."
We are underway
Nigel Walker is up first
Howley expected imminently
The press conference should start soon
Howley to face the press at 2pm
Our reporters Ben James and Steffan Thomas are at the Principality Stadium where Rob Howley will shortly give a press conference.
Press conference expected in 30 minutes
Rob Howley, Nigel Walker and Richard Whiffin are up for interview at 2pm.
Richard Whiffin: The full story
Richard Whiffin has been appointed the new head coach of Wales U20s.
The Wales U20s role has been vacant since Mark Jones left to coach the Ospreys, but has now been filled by the highly-rated Whiffin. The 40-year-old is an experienced operator and has previously held coaching roles with the Scarlets, Gloucester, London Irish, England U20s, Wales Women, and the Highlanders in New Zealand.
Rob Howley returns: The full story
Whiffin excited for new journey
Richard Whiffin is excited to work with Howley: "To be able to work with a coach of Rob’s stature and be linked into the senior men’s set-up in the way that has been described presents a really exciting prospect not just for me but for the whole U20s squad.
"The kind of alignment we are hoping to create will benefit everyone from the regional academies to the national squad but, most of all, the players themselves.
"It’s an ideal scenario for the U20s and the rest of the pathway to be able to work in tandem with the senior squad and I’m really looking forward to getting started in the new role."
It's been an "extremely challenging time" for Howley
"I have been through an extremely challenging time in my life, speaking out and talking about it has enabled me to move forward. I will be more than happy to share my experience with others who might be experiencing tough times and I’m grateful to all of those around me who have supported me through these times.
"In Richard Whiffin, we have a very talented young coach coming in to take charge of the U20s and we have a great group of players identified already, so the future is looking really positive in Wales despite the obvious challenges of the current economic environment globally."
Howley excited for his return
"It feels to me like the time is right and I am really looking forward to returning to the fold with Wales.
"I have a second opportunity to do a job I’ve dedicated my working life to and I’m grateful to everyone in Welsh rugby for their acceptance and their faith in me, it’s faith I intend to repay to the best of my ability.
"The opportunity to work with the U20s and other pathway teams and help develop and prepare them for the challenges of international rugby is particularly exciting."
