Howley aims to jilt Cup bridesmaid

HE’S 33 and no longer an international, but Rob Howley has his sights set on a place in the Lions tour party to New Zealand next summer.

If he makes it, he will treat Wasps coach Warren Gatland to a slap-up meal, with champagne. The former Welsh scrum-half credits Gatland for rescuing his career 18 months ago.

In the middle of contract negotiations with Cardiff, Howley became increasingly annoyed. Then Gatland changed his mood, and his life.