Rob Howley has announced his departure from his role as Wales attack coach with immediate effect. This decision comes hot on the heels of the recent departure of head coach Warren Gatland. As a result, Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt will be stepping in on an interim basis to lead Wales in their final Six Nations matches against Ireland, Scotland, and England.
Following Gatland’s exit, there had been much speculation surrounding the future of Howley and the rest of Gatland’s coaching team, including Jonathan Humphreys, Neil Jenkins, and Mike Forshaw. Now, with Howley’s swift exit from the Wales set-up, it appears changes are already underway within the coaching ranks. While the status of Humphreys, Jenkins, and Forshaw remains uncertain, it is likely that they will continue in their roles until the end of the Championship.
Howley, who took over as attack coach prior to the Six Nations, faced criticism from fans due to Wales’ lacklustre attacking performances against France and Italy. Additionally, his close association with Gatland raised questions about his future with the team. When asked about Howley’s fate post-Gatland’s departure, WRU CEO Abi Tierney emphasised the need to give newly appointed interim coach Matt Sherratt time to assess the situation and make decisions moving forward.
This development marks a significant turn of events for Howley, who made a dramatic return to the Wales coaching staff for last year’s Six Nations after a four-year absence. However, his coaching tenure was not without controversy, as he was suspended from rugby for 18 months (with nine suspended) in December 2019 for violating World Rugby’s betting regulations. Prior to this, Howley played a pivotal role as attack coach in Gatland’s backroom team for 11 years, contributing to Wales’ success in winning multiple Six Nations titles, including Grand Slams.
As Wales navigates this coaching transition, the focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth handover and maintaining team performance in the upcoming fixtures. With Sherratt at the helm temporarily, the Welsh team will be looking to rally and finish the Six Nations campaign on a high note. The departure of key coaching figures like Howley signals a period of adjustment and adaptation for Welsh rugby, as they seek to build on past successes under new leadership.
In reflecting on Howley’s impact and legacy within the Wales set-up, it is evident that his contributions have been both acclaimed and contested. Moving forward, the team will need to regroup and redefine their coaching structure to continue striving for excellence on the international stage. As the rugby community absorbs this news, all eyes will be on Wales as they embark on a new chapter under the guidance of interim coach Matt Sherratt and navigate the evolving landscape of Welsh rugby.