Rob Howley vows to make the most of his 'second opportunity' with Wales after taking up new coaching role, as he admits he has come through an 'extremely challenging time' after serving a ban for breaching betting regulations

Rob Howley sealed an emotional Wales return on Thursday and vowed to use his experiences to help other players or coaches who are struggling with the demands of professional sport.

Howley was banned from rugby and left his previous role with his home country on the eve of the 2019 World Cup when it was found he had been betting on the sport in which he was involved.

A subsequent investigation saw Howley banned from any involvement in rugby for 18 months, nine of which were suspended. He admitted to breaching World Rugby’s betting regulations.

But, after a spell in the wilderness and a short stint with Canada, the 53-year-old is now back in Warren Gatland’s national set-up as an assistant coach.

He will also head up Welsh rugby’s pathway system and work closely with the country’s Under-20 side. Howley was found to have placed 363 bets on rugby union, featuring 1,163 matches, between November 13, 2015 and September 7, 2019.

He admitted his gambling came about as a result of the death of his sister Karen Thomas and that he had made a grave mistake.

Howley wants to act as a sounding board to others in rugby who might have similar issues.

England captain Owen Farrell has decided to step away from Test rugby to prioritise his and his family’s mental wellbeing.

‘One of my conversations has been about sharing those experiences I had in 2019,’ Howley said. ‘I identified I needed help and I sought help. The last year has been a tough one.

‘It took me a good 18 months to get through those dark times. Any help I can offer to players who need to talk and reach out, I’m there if they require it.

‘For Owen to make that decision, it’s been described as a watershed moment. We don’t understand the pressures of rugby.

‘It’s important we support those players who feel they need that support. I’m just absolutely delighted to be back.’

Howley received professional help from a psychologist to get through the ‘dark days’ and get him back on the ‘straight and narrow’.

Gatland wanted Howley involved in his team earlier this year but the move was blocked by the Welsh Rugby Union’s board at the time.

There can be no doubt though that his rugby knowledge and coaching experience will be of huge benefit to Welsh rugby now that a move back to Wales has been ratified.

In his first decorated stint as Wales assistant to Gatland, Howley won three Six Nations grand slams in 2008, 2012 and 2019 and led Wales to the 2013 Championship title as head coach.

He worked with Wales at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups and was an assistant coach with the British & Irish Lions on three straight tours in 2009, 2013 and 2017. Howley will rejoin Gatland’s back-room team as Wales assistant coach (technical), alongside Mike Forshaw (defence), Jonathan Humphreys (forwards), Neil Jenkins (skills) and Alex King (attack).

‘Rob is one of the most successful and experienced Welsh coaches on the international arena at the moment,’ said Gatland, who adds new blood to his back-room team after contact area coach Jonathan Thomas announced his departure.