ROB HOWLEY BANNED FOR 18 MONTHS

[Traveller]

It could be a dream team for Tigers Phil and Rob - defence and attack coaches - lots of 54-54 draws.

[sapajo]

So good you posted it twice

[Coops]

So good you posted it twice

He's just hedging his bets

[fleabane]

Backdated, so can coach again from June 2020.

[Wayne Richardson Fan Club]

I wonder if he placed a few quid on the outcome......

Seriously its sounds there was a trigger & he didn't exactly try subterfuge.

[mol2]

Let’s face it smacks of someone with a gambling problem rather than any sinister match fixing.

Rather sad to taint a top level playing and coaching career.

[strawclearer]

He's apparently had quite a problem for quite a while.

Feel for him - hope he gets the help he needs and gets through it.

[fleabane]

Good article by Owen Slot in The Times.

For future employment the gambling issue may be a problem - can he be trusted?

Howley has wide coaching experience, but never as a head coach, but he was apparently in the frame for the Italy Coach job, starting after the 6N. Will this still be a possibility? Slot believes it is his best opportunity for a job in rugby, that Howley is too much of a risk for the Premiership, etc.

Under pressure he turned to gambling, didn’t try to conceal it, was open when discovered, is well liked by players.

I hope he can come to terms with his problem, and can continue to contribute to rugby.

[YoWaGoWan]

Just heard Sarries are trying to sign him.

[grobyman]

Bet you didn’t