By Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Kitakyushu, Japan
| World Cup – Pool D: Wales v Georgia |
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| Coverage:Full commentary on every Wale s game across BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, plus text updates on the BBC Sport website and app. |
Wales boss Warren Gatland was “shocked” when backs coachRob Howley was sent home from the World Cupfor an alleged betting breach.
However, he believes the setback will not derail the team in Japan.
Howley’s departure came just six days before Wales’ opening game against Pool D opponents Georgia.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips confirmed there would be an investigation.
“You have to deal with adversity at times, and it’s how you respond and react to that,” said Gatland.
“We were shocked. with this, and my focus has to be on the next five days in terms of preparing the squad for the first game against Georgia.
“I must say that the players in the last 24 hours have really stepped up and they have been incredibly responsible and resilient, and sometimes that brings teams closer together. “
More to follow.
- North relishing new senior Wales role
- Wainwright set to start against Georgia
- ‘Jones, Owens and Davies are vital’
Listen again:Sam Warburton’s guide to RWC captaincy
Can’t see this selector? Visit this page:Pick your Wales XV to play Georgia
All pictures via Huw Evans Images.***
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