Rob Howley announces next career move after Six Nations exit

Former Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has said it is the “right time” to bring an end to his coaching career.

The former Wales, and British & Irish Lions scrum-half has been out of a job since Warren Gatland was let go by the Welsh Rugby Union midway through the Guinness Six Nations this year.

Interim head coach Matt Sherratt opted not to keep hold of Gatland’s longstanding assistant, with the WRU releasing this statement: “Howley remains under contract with the WRU but will not be part of the Wales coaching team for the remaining three fixtures.”

The 54-year-old has opted to take up a job with 5G Communications, bringing his 20-year coaching career, and 35-year association with rugby, to an end.

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Argentina

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“After twenty incredible years in rugby coaching, it feels like the right time to move on to new pastures,” Howley wrote in a message online. “I’ve recently been given an exciting business opportunity with 5G Communications.

“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 build over the years, I’m confident it won’t be for lack of effort.”

After starting his coaching career as an assistant with Cardiff, where he spent many years as a player, Howley joined the Wales coaching staff in January 2008 under new coach Gatland ahead of the Six Nations, which Wales won.

The former Heineken Cup winner went on to enjoy many years of success with Wales and the Lions alongside Gatland, teaming up with Wales again upon the Kiwi’s reappointment in 2022.