Howley steps in as cover for injured Gatland

Gatland, who led Wales to the 2012 RBS Six Nations title and grand slam, is the overwhelming favourite to lead the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Australia in the summer of 2013. He suffered a foot injury after falling from a ladder at his home in New Zealand and will temporarily hand control of the team to assistant coach Howley.

The Welsh Rugby Union said in a statement: “Rob Howley will have full control of all aspects of team preparation and selection.

“Gatland has declared his full approval of the decision which was taken during discussions with WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis about his prognosis for recuperation and recovery.”

Gatland was cleaning windows at his family beach house when he lost his balance and fell around ten feet on to concrete, taking the full impact on his heels and fracturing both. Gatland has been told the injury to his right foot is severe and that he will not be able to bear weight on it by early June.

Wales face the Barbarians on 2 June at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff before embarking on a three-Test series in Australia, with the first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane on 9 June.

Gatland said: “Although I am devastated to be away from the action I am delighted that we have someone of Rob’s calibre to take charge in my absence.

“I will not be ready to take charge of Wales for the international against the Barbarians and if I recover enough to get to Australia during June I am still unlikely to be mobile enough to play a full coaching role. It has been difficult to accept that advice, but it just makes me more determined than ever to get back into the driving seat with Wales later on this summer as we prepare for an Autumn series which includes games against New Zealand and Australia.”

WRU chief executive Lewis added: “Warren can now concentrate on getting back to robust health before taking back full control of Wales to continue the great work he has already achieved and Rob can take this opportunity to develop as a coach at the highest level.”

Howley was one of Gatland’s first appointments when he took charge of the Welsh coaching set-up in January 2008. Born in Bridgend, he won 59 caps for Wales, captaining his country on 22 occasions.

“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,” Howley said. “We will be working to secure victory against the Barbarians after the defeat we suffered last year and the Tests in Australia are an opportunity for us to deliver a win in the southern hemisphere.”