Howley unlikely to play part in Lions tour

As the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa inches ever closer, the notion has been floating around that former Lions player and assistant coach, Rob Howley could become involved once more. Head coach Warren Gatland, however, spoke recently on the issue, conveying that the development would be unlikely.

Controversy rained downed in September 2019 when Howley was sent home from the Welsh World Cup camp for breaching rules pertaining to betting. He was found guilty and banned for a total of 18 months with 9 suspended.

Gatland and Howley worked together on two previous Lions tours but, according to Gatland, it does not seem that that partnership will be revived anytime soon.

“The last thing you want is people bringing up the past and taking away from what your preparation and focus is for a Lions tour,” Gatland told reporters.

That makes it a little bit difficult because it’s the last thing I and someone like Rob would want to have happen.”

Howley is currently with Canada where he is serving as assistant coach.

“He’s an outstanding coach, understands the mistakes he’s made and hopefully he does really well,” Gatland added.