England rugby players have received warnings not to use their mobile phones on match days following the betting scandal involving the Wales coach Rob Howley, according to media reports.
The former Welsh rugby union player and now-coach has been brought back home after revelations that he is facing an investigation for an alleged violation of some regulatory rules associated with anti-corruption and betting. The scandal emerged only a few days before the official start of the World Cup on September 20th, and now, information has emerged that all rugby teams, including England and Wales, have been reached for a detailed briefing by the integrity unit of the World Rugby.
This is not the first time when such allegations have been faced in the sector. At the time when it got in touch with the players, it used the former Leicester defence coach Phil Blake who faced a 6-month suspension for breaching the betting regulation of the Rugby Football Union. The squad of England were also informed that at the 2015 World Cup there were six incidents when players or members of the staff were suspiciously approached.
At the time when the revelations about possible betting and anti-corruption regulations breach were made, England assistant coach Neal Hatley shared his surprise with the accusations faced by Howley and added that all stipulations were very clearly set.
Wales Coach Rob Howley Faces Allegations of Anti-Corruption and Betting Rules Breach
Yesterday, information has emerged that 48-year-old Rob Howley allegedly breached the betting regulations of World Rugby a week earlier after being reached by one of the integrity teams of the gambling industry.
The revelations have caused turmoil in Wales team, with the team’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup being disrupted after Howley was flown back home from Japan yesterday. Warren Gatland, the head coach of the team, revealed that Howley’s departure has come as a great shock for everyone. As mentioned above, the now-coach, who once was Wales’ captain, will now face an investigation over a possible violation of the betting and anti-corruption regulations of the sector. He would is to be replaced by Stephen Jones, a former Wales fly-half, who is already on his way to Japan.
According to reports, Howley is facing allegations to have violated regulation 6 by placing bets on the sport – something he is not allowed to do under the existing legal and regulatory framework of the sector. The regulations do not allow rugby players at all levels, as well as clubs owners, clubs officials, coaching and backroom staff and agents to directly or indirectly bet or attempt to bet on the outcome of any rugby match. The aforementioned persons are also banned from making any attempts to receive part or all of the proceeds generated of such bets.
The allegation is serious and a formal process is to be held in Wales.
- Author
Daniel Williams
