Howley leaves rugby for 'new pastures'

Robert Howley is a former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half

Former Wales assistant and caretaker coach Rob Howley has left rugby to take up a new role outside of the sport.

Howley, 54, was a key figure in Warren Gatland's two reigns, which came to a close during the 2025 Six Nations amid Wales' worst losing run in their history.

The former scrum-half and captain was attack coach when Wales won three Grand Slams and reached the 2011 World Cup semi-finals.

During that period, and while Gatland was preparing for the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, Howley was in charge as Wales famously beat England 30-3 in Cardiff to deny them a Grand Slam and win the Six Nations title. He also toured three times as British and Irish Lions attack coach.

But after being sidelined following Gatland's exit during his second term, Howley says he has "recently been given an exciting business opportunity" with a telecommunications company.

In a social media statement, Howley wrote: "After twenty incredible years in rugby coaching, it feels like the right time to move on to new pastures."

He added: "This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for me and my family. I hope to draw on the many experiences and lessons sport has given me over the last three decades.

"Starting something new always brings its challenges – and I've been told this won't be an easy ride! – but with the support of family and the connections I've built over the years, I'm confident it won't be for lack of effort."

Howley enjoyed a stellar playing career with Bridgend, Cardiff, Wasps, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

After starting his coaching career with Cardiff Blues, Howley became the senior domestic voice in Gatland's coaching plans in 2008, forming a partnership that lasted more than a decade.

Howley's career, though, was placed on hold when he was sent home from the 2019 World Cup in Japan amid allegations of betting breaches.

He was subsequently banned from rugby for 18 months, nine of them suspended.

He was given a route back by then-Canada head coach and former Wales captain Kingsley Jones in 2020.

Howley was hired as senior assistant coach and also worked as a consultant with the Toronto Arrows, who ceased trading in November 2023.

He returned to the Wales fold for the 2024 Six Nations under Gatland.

But following Gatland's exit, Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt formed his own coaching team with Howley switching priorities to Wales Under-20s alongside their boss, Richard Whiffen.