Rob Howley apologises for breaching betting rules as he 'battled demons' after sister's death
Wales' former assistant coach Rob Howley has released a statement apologising for breaching betting rules and said he was battling 'demons' after the death of his sister.
He has been handed an eighteen-month coaching ban, nine months of which are suspended, after breaching betting rules.
In his statement he said:
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to all those close to me and everyone this has affected, especially the rugby community, close colleagues and above all my family.
I am an extremely private man, and unfortunately it was this that kept me silent as I battled my demons following my sister's tragic death."
Mr Howley sought help from a psychologist who diagnosed that this family tragedy triggered his betting.
In his statement, Howley pointed to the investigation into his breach that stated:
"Mr Howley... has demonstrated deep felt and genuine remorse, that he has an exemplary character and an exemplary disciplinary record (both as a player and coach)."
The former Wales international and attack coach was sent home from the World Cup in Japan just days before Wales' opening game in Georgia.
He was forced to leave the camp in Kitakyushu amid the allegations of betting infringements.
The decision means he will be banned for a total of nine months until June 2020, unless he contravenes rules again in the next nine months from now.
If he did, he would then serve a further nine months.
The investigation found Howley breached World Rugby Anti-corruption and Betting Regulations – known as regulation 6. He placed 363 bets on rugby union featuring 1,163 matches in total.
Of the 363 bets, the investigation found 24 were placed on “connected events” with some involving matches in which Wales was participating.
The panel found Mr Howley made no money from the bets and the WRU assesses he lost approximately £4,000.