Wales team 'shocked' by Rob Howley betting allegations - Gatland
Head coach Warren Gatland says the Wales team were "shocked" by the news of Rob Howley's alleged breach of World Rugby's betting and anti-corruption regulations.
Wales assistant coach Howley was sent home from the Rugby World Cup on Tuesday with Stephen Jones flying out to replace him.
"We were shocked by it," Gatland told a press conference in Kitakyushu.
"At the moment these are allegations. Rob is devastated by the allegations."
The 48-year-old former Wales captain has been part of Gatland's coaching team since 2008.
Gatland said, "It took a bit of time to sink in. It is now how we turn a difficult situation into a positive one.
"I texted Rob to see how he got home and that he was okay."
Gatland turned 55 yesterday.
Chief executive Martyn Phillips said the Welsh Rugby Union needed to be quick to act when sending home Howley.
Going forward Phillips said there would be an investigation and that the WRU would do everything by the book.
He said: "There will be an investigation. It is a pretty serious allegation. The investigation hasn't started. There are other agencies to manage. My focus is on doing it right.
"We have made a change, and I think we stick with that change now. Stephen is coming and he is in for the duration."
Earlier World Rugby said it "fully supports" the Welsh Rugby Union's "proactive approach" over the Howley allegations.
The WRU said on Tuesday that Howley had "returned to Wales to assist with an investigation in relation to a potential breach of World Rugby regulation 6, specifically betting on rugby union".
"World Rugby has been informed by the Welsh Rugby Union of a potential breach of World Rugby Regulation 6 (specifically betting on rugby) by a member of the union's RWC 2019 coaching team.
"World Rugby fully supports the WRU's proactive approach to this matter and can confirm that the union is keeping us informed of their initial discussions.
"It would be inappropriate to comment further? on an open and evolving process," the organisation said.
If found guilty, Howley could face the maximum sanction of a life ban from the sport.
Betting on any rugby game is outlawed for the likes of players, coaches and match officials, among others.
Howley is provisionally suspended from any rugby-related activity, pending an investigation.