Former Wales backs coach Rob Howley has been banned for 18 months, with nine months suspended, after breaking the sport’s betting rules.
The suspension is backdated to his initial withdrawal from Wales’ World Cup campaign, on 16 September 2019.
LIVE: It has been revealed that Howley placed 363 bets on rugby union across a four-year periodhttps://t.co/LVXtRwR0VY
— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) December 16, 2019
In a statement, the WRU said: “Howley’s case was heard in Cardiff by an independent panel, chaired by Sir Wyn Williams. The panel has submitted its decision, which has been shared with World Rugby.
The decision, which has been published in full, comprehensively covers the charges and mitigating features considered by the panel.
“As such, no further comment will be made by the WRU or Rob Howley on this subject at this time and media are requested to please respect his privacy and that of his family with this in mind.”
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That means the 49-year-old former Wales captain is free to return to the game on or after 16 June, 2020.
The WRU report reveals Howley admitted to placing 363 bets on rugby union, using accounts from Betway, William Hill and Ladbrokes.