England have expressed shock that Wales legend Rob Howley could have breached strict regulations outlawing betting on rugby.
Wales assistant coach Howley was sent home on Tuesday “to assist with an investigation" almost a week after a betting company's integrity team contacted the Welsh Rugby Union with information relating to a potential breach.
Eddie Jones’ players were stunned to hear the news either side of training this morning on what has been the hottest day yet in Miyazaki.
All the more so because they were briefed on the subject of betting at an integrity meeting hosted by World Rugby only two days ago.
During the 20-minute sit-down Eddie Jones’ players were told they must switch their phones off an hour before matches.
They were also reminded of the case of former Leicester defence coach Phil Blake, who was banned for six months in 2015 for a breach of RFU betting rules.
He placed eight separate bets on two Tigers games while he was coaching at the club.
“At the meeting all the stipulations were set out very, very clearly,” said scrum coach Neal Hatley. “I know it gets done at the clubs, and the RPA are actively involved in it, so there is real clarity around it.
“I was a little bit surprised (to hear about Wales) but it’s all very clear. It was made clear before we arrived and it was made clear two days ago.
“It’s a real [warning] for everyone at the tournament. A real live reminder.”
The drama unfolded on the day Warren Gatland turned 55 and the Wales boss admitted: “I have had better birthdays.”
Twenty-four hours earlier the mood in the Wales camp was buoyant after 15,000 fans turned out to watch them train. Not so now.
“It is now how we turn a difficult situation into a positive one,” said Gatland. “I texted Rob to see how he got home and that he was okay."
They have five days to put the drama behind them before they face Georgia in their opening game.
