Rob Howley will be caretaker head coach for Wales’ summer internationals against the Barbarians and Australia to allow Warren Gatland to recover from the broken foot he suffered when falling off a ladder.
Gatland was cleaning windows at his family beach house on Waihi Beach when he lost his balance and fell around 10 feet on to concrete, taking the full impact on his heels. He suffered multiple fractures to the right heel bone and also a fracture to the left heel bone.
The 48-year-old is yet to undergo surgery as his injuries are given time to heal and Gatland has been advised that the injury to his right foot is severe and that he will not be able to bear weight on it by early June.
That rules him out of the Barbarians match at the Millennium Stadium on June 2 and the First Test in Brisbane a week later. Should he recover for the final two Tests then he will join the squad to support Howley, who will remain in charge for the tour.
Howley, who has been Gatland’s assistant since 2008, said: “I will give 100 per cent of my effort to ensuring we are fully prepared to meet the challenges and take the great opportunities which lie ahead in this summer series. I am immensely proud to have been offered this opportunity.”
SARACENS have made two changes for tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle with Owen Farrell replacing fellow England No10 Charlie Hodgson at fly-half. James Short comes in on the left wing in place of Michael Tagicakibau.
Michael Lynagh is in a “stabilised condition” after suffering a stroke and has been able to walk and speak. The former Australia and Saracens fly-half is undergoing tests in the Royal Brisbane Hospital to discover the cause of the illness.
