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Rob Howley's future could lie in Ireland - reports

(Photo by Getty Images)

Wales attack coach Rob Howley’s future could lie in Ireland – according to reports.

Irish website The42.ie are reporting that the former British and Irish Lions coach and interim Wales headcoach has met with Munster with a view to taking over the reigns of the province attack coaching.

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The former scrum-half Howley was reported to be on the shortlist to succeed Gatland when the New Zealander’s tenure comes to an end after the World Cup in Japan, but ruled himself out of staying on with the set-up; and has said a return to club rugby was his preference.

31-year-old former Munster player Felix Jones is the current backline and attack coach at Limerick based outfit. Jones is in his coaching infancy, having been forced to retire due to concussion in 2015 before returning in 2016 to fill the role.

Howley on the other hand offers years of international experience in attack.

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The 48-year-old won 59 caps for Wales, scoring 10 tries. He captained his country to 15 wins in 22 matches, including a run of 10 successive victories in 1999.

As a player, he was part of two British & Irish Lions tours, in 1997 to South Africa – where he suffered a shoulder injury and missed the Tests – and 2001 to Australia. He was one of the tour captains down under and played in the first two Tests before sustaining a broken rib, which ruled him out of the series decider.

Rob Howley and Warren Gatland
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He played for Bridgend, Cardiff and London Wasps, helping Wasps to win the Heineken Cup, European Challenge Cup and two English Premiership titles.

Howley has been part of the Wales coaching team since January 2008, helping lead Wales to three RBS 6 Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, and the semi-final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He took charge of the national side as interim Head Coach during the 2012 Summer Tour and Autumn Internationals, the successful 2013 RBS 6 Nations and 2016 Autumn Series.

He was attack coach during the 2009 British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa under Ian McGeechan, and retained the role under Gatland in the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia, helping the Lions secure their first series win since 1997.

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H
Hellhound 47 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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