Rob Howley faces a long and anxious wait for the investigation into his suspected breach of rugby’s betting rules to conclude, a delay that could affect his chances of coaching with Italy or the British & Irish Lions.

The Wales attack coach was sent home from their camp in Japan on Monday to allow an investigation into a possible breach of World Rugby’s regulation six, which covers gambling and anti-corruption. With the Welsh Rugby Union keen to follow due process it could be months before a decision is reached on whether or not the 48-year-old has a case to answer.

Warren Gatland must plough on regardless amid Wales turmoil | Paul Rees Read more

Howley was always going to leave his Wales role at the conclusion of the Japan tournament along with all of Warren Gatland’s coaching team, but a lengthy investigation could rule the former scrum-half out of considering any potential roles. Howley was understood to be among the contenders to succeed Conor O’Shea with Italy and work alongside Gatland on what would have been his fourth Lions tour at the end of the World Cup.

Howley’s departure has been the biggest news of the tournament in the buildup to Friday’s kick-off. Somehow Wales have to put it to one side before their first match against Georgia on Monday.

Wales travelled from Kitakyushu to Toyota via bullet train on Thursday for their opener. Among it all there is a game for which to prepare.

Robin McBryde, the Wales forward coach who has played and coached at international level alongside Howley, said: “We’ve had to get on with it. It’s our opening game of the World Cup and that has taken precedent over anything else. There is a little bit of a feeling of circling the wagons and not allowing anything to influence the environment. It’s important we start with a bang.

“It’s been tough. It’s unfortunate he has to go through this. We’ve been together for quite a bit of time. He’s been a great servant both as a player and a coach. This was our swan song as a coaching group and he’s a good man and a good friend. He was keen to explain the news to the other coaches rather than us finding out second‑hand. He did that.”

Wales have been boosted by a positive fitness update on Rhys Patchell, who is available after recovering from concussion. The fly-half sustained his fourth head knock in 18 months in the warm-up clash with Ireland on 7 September. “It’s an occupational hazard,” said Patchell, the back-up to Dan Biggar. “These things take the time they take. I’ve learned that over the years. There is no point worrying and you’ve got to be philosophical. The more worked up you get the chances are the more your symptoms will persist.”

Aaron Wainwright, 21, is poised to start against Georgia and McBryde believes the rookie flanker can top what the former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton achieved in his career. “Aaron is very reminiscent of a young Sam with the way he carries the ball,” McBryde said. “He’s very physical both in attack and defence. He could even be better than Sam!”