News

Howley to continue to cover for Gatland

RobHowley12SBinpho
Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley is set to continue in the role for the start of the autumn internationals and the matches against Samoa and Argentina.

Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley is set to continue in the role for the start of the autumn internationals and the matches against Samoa and Argentina.

The former British Lions scrum-half was Warren Gatland’s assistant during the RBS 6 Nations but took over from the New Zealander when he was forced out of the summer tour to Australia with a foot injury.

Gatland, who would be unavailable to Wales next year if he is selected as coach for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, will be watching the Wallabies’ clash with England.

And despite losing all three Tests by a narrow margin this summer, Howley is confident that he will get some wins under his belt this time around.

He said: “It was my first opportunity to be head coach and I really enjoyed it. It certainly hasn’t put me off.

“I wouldn’t mind continuing in that role in the autumn and then the Six Nations.

“I’m working on the basis that I will be in charge for the Argentina and Samoa Tests in November. Then Warren comes back for New Zealand and Australia .

“England play the Wallabies on the weekend of our Samoan game and Warren will be able to watch that, which will be great for us in terms of our preparation for taking on Australia. Then the plan is I will be in charge again through the Six Nations.

“Hopefully next season will be a chance for me to get some wins under my belt as Wales coach. I’m very competitive and I want to win.

“Ultimately international rugby is about results. Any head coach will tell you that.”