Rob Howley: Wales comes first and foremost

Rob Howley's complete focus is on Wales this season - but he could also be part of the British and Irish Lions coaching staff in New Zealand next summer.

Howley, a former Lions Test player who filled Lions coaching support roles in South Africa seven years ago and then during the successful 2013 Australia tour, takes charge of Wales with Warren Gatland heading up Lions business.

Gatland is due to name his support team for the New Zealand mission on December 7, with Howley among a number of coaches likely to be in the frame for a 10-match expedition that begins on June 3.

• Read more: Howley in charge of Wales with Gatland on Lions duty

Howley's priority during the next 10 months will be Wales' four-Test autumn series and then the RBS 6 Nations Championship, with an added significance of holding a strong world ranking position ahead of next year's 2019 World Cup pool draw.

Wales found themselves in the same 2015 World Cup group as England and Australia, being handed a ferociously-tough draw on that occasion largely because they had slipped down the global standings.