Ireland’s Rugby World Cup squad were addressed on the subject of betting at an integrity meeting hosted by World Rugby earlier this week.
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley was sent home from Japan on Tuesday ‘to assist with an investigation’ - a development Ireland No.8 Jack Conan last night described as “crazy”.
“We had the meeting only about two or three days ago,” said Conan.
“It was brief enough. We’re all pretty aware of what you can and can’t do.
“It’s not the first time we’ve had meetings like this, whether it was through Ireland or Leinster.
"To have this happen to a really high-profile person, for that to have happened is crazy but we’re all well aware.”
As scandal-hit Howley contemplated his rugby future, Warren Gatland was left picking up the pieces in Japan ahead of Wales’ World Cup opener with Georgia.
Gatland’s right-hand man for the past 12 years was keeping a low profile after being sent home from the Dragons’ training camp on Monday, following betting allegations against him.
He will now be subject to a formal investigation and will have to hope his case has not damaged Welsh hopes of giving Gatland the perfect send-off as head coach.
The breaking story ruined Gatland’s 56th birthday party plans in Japan, but he has promised that his players will use the upset to galvanise them ahead of Monday’s Georgian clash.
“We have got to draw a line in the sand on this and really focus on preparing the team for the next five days,” said Gatland.
“It took a bit of time for it to sink in. We’ve got to focus and we know there is going to be some speculation in the next 24 hours. We have to deal with that. I have had better birthdays, that’s for sure!
“We were all shocked, but the Welsh Rugby Union are dealing with this and my focus has to be on the next five days in terms of prepa ing the squad for the first World Cup game against Georgia.”
After delivering three Grand Slams in his 12 years in charge – with Howley one of his key men– Gatland was hoping for a triumphant departure at his third World Cup with Wales.
Before he left for Japan, Gatland had said that he felt he had a squad capable of winning the world title. Now he is going to find out about the strength of their resolve.
“You have to deal with adversity at times and it’s how you respond to that. The players have been incredibly responsible and resilient.
“Sometimes things like this bring teams closer together."
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