Rob Howley breaks silence on Wales return and reveals it took him 18 months to get through the dark times

Rob Howley has given his first press conference after dramatically returning to the Wales fold. He told reporters he had no idea about the offer from the WRU until Tuesday and that it took him 18 months to get through the dark times after being forced to walk away from Wales in 2019 following a betting scandal.

The former scrum half has been added to Warren Gatland's coaching team ahead of the 2024 Six Nations and will replace Jonathan Thomas as a skills coach but will also work closely with new U20s head coach Richard Whiffin and oversee the men's pathway as a whole.

Howley was a critical part of Gatland's coaching team between 2008 and 2019 helping Wales win four Six Nations titles before getting banned for breaching World Rugby's betting protocols during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. But after serving his time Gatland has brought Howley back to Welsh rugby as part of his coaching team as he looks to build a team capable of competing at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Howley will hold court for the first time today at 2pm at a press conference, with live updates and reaction below. Sign up to our WalesOnline rugby newsletter here.

Gatland said: “Rob is one of the most successful and experienced Welsh coaches on the international arena at the moment. When we lost Rob from Welsh rugby, we lost a hugely significant amount of intellectual property, knowledge of the game in Wales and of the international scene. I’m delighted to welcome him back into this new role."

FULL STORY: Rob Howley makes sensational return to Welsh rugby as part of Warren Gatland's coaching team

NEW APPOINTMENT: Wales U20s appoint 'very talented' new head coach as they look to brighter future

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