ROB HOWLEY has left his role as Wales’ attack coach, following head coach Warren Gatland out of the door in what has been a turbulent week for Welsh rugby.
Gatland, who oversaw a record 14th consecutive defeat in Wales’ recent loss to Italy, approached Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) CEO Abi Tierney to express his belief that he was no longer the right man to lead the national team forward. His departure set off a chain reaction, with Howley’s exit coming as little surprise given his longstanding partnership with Gatland.
Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed as Wales’ interim boss for the remainder of the Six Nations. Sherratt, who has predominantly worked as an attack coach throughout his career, will bring his own tactical philosophies to the role.
Howley has been Gatland’s trusted lieutenant for two decades, particularly in the tactical aspects of the game. His departure was widely expected, given his close ties to the Kiwi coach. However, he remains under contract with the WRU, and it is yet to be determined whether he will continue his work with Wales’ age-grade pathway system.
Meanwhile, Sherratt has wasted no time in reshaping the squad, recalling three players as he looks to contend with injuries from the opening two rounds of the Championship. Fly-halves Gareth Anscombe and Jarrod Evans have both been brought back into the fold. Anscombe’s initial omission was met with surprise, while Evans has not featured in Test rugby for Wales since 2021.
In-form Gloucester centre Max Llewellyn also returns to the squad. His exclusion by Gatland was unexpected, given that he started all three autumn internationals and was the top try-scorer in the English Premiership at the time of the squad announcement.
However, Wales have been dealt a significant injury blow, with Owen Watkin and Liam Williams both ruled out for the rest of the tournament after sustaining knee injuries against France in the opening round.
Sherratt will coach Cardiff against Connacht this weekend before officially taking charge of Wales on Monday. He will have just four training sessions to prepare his side for a formidable challenge against an Ireland team arriving in Cardiff next week with their sights set on a Grand Slam.
Rob Howley departs as Wales rugby faces major coaching shake-up
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