Wales attack coach Rob Howley has been forced to leave camp after becoming embroiled in a betting scandal.
The Welsh squad has been rocked to its very core following Howley’s removal with the Rugby World Cup just days away.
Howley is on his way home after finding himself in the middle of an investigation in relation to an alleged breach of World Rugby regulation 6, specifically betting on rugby union.
The bombshell news comes just six days before Wales' Pool D World Cup opener with Georgia in Toyota City.
Howley has been head coach Warren Gatland’s right hand man for the last 11 years, and their relationship goes back further with Gatland coaching the former scrum-half during their time at Wasps.
The WRU have moved quickly on this and Gatland, along with the senior player group, have decided to turn to Stephen Jones, who will replace Howley with immediate effect.
Jones was due to take over as Wales attack coach after the tournament in Japan but will take over in Howley's absence.
Barring injuries, Wales’ preparation have could hardly have gone better up to this point, but the Howley news threatens to derail their entire bid for World Cup success in a tournament that was supposed to be a wonderful swansong for Gatland and his coaching staff.
Wales are continuing preparations for their Rugby World Cup opener and will travel to Toyota City on Thursday.
