Portugal Colonial - Howley leaves Wales Six Nations coaching set-up

Gatland's second spell as Wales boss ended earlier this week by "mutual agreement" following a record run of 14 straight defeats.

Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt is in temporary charge for the team's remaining three Six Nations games against title-favourites Ireland, Scotland and England.

Former scrum-half Howley, who remains under contract, was a coaching mainstay during Gatland's first stint in charge of Wales, which included three Six Nations Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals.

But, hampered by the retirements of senior players and against the backdrop of a financial crisis in the Welsh game, Gatland won just six out of 26 Tests during his second spell.

Wales, who finished bottom of the Six Nations last year with five defeats, are on course for another humiliating whitewash this year after a thumping 43-0 defeat by France and a 22-15 loss to Italy in Rome.

Sherratt has called up three players ahead of Wales' match against Ireland, bidding for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title, in Cardiff on February 22.

Gloucester backs Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn, surprise omissions from Gatland's squad, are now back in the fold along with Harlequins' former Cardiff fly-half Jarrod Evans.

Sherratt will be without 93-times capped full-back Liam Williams and centre Owen Watkin due to injuries.

A.Santos--PC