Howley accepts O’Brien apology, Gatland still fuming

Rob Howley has reportedly accepted an apology from Sean O’Brien after the Leinster man’s controversial remarks about his coaching on the Lions tour to New Zealand.

O’Brien went public with claims that Jonathan Sexton and Owen Farrell sidelined attack coach Howley during the series in New Zealand during the summer, with head coach Warren Gatland later admitting he was “really, really hurt” by O’Brien’s criticism. But the Daily Telegraph has reported that Howley and O’Brien have spoken to clear the air.

“I exchanged WhatsApps with Sean and we finally spoke on the phone last Friday. We talked for a good 20 minutes, he apologised and now we move on,” said Howley “I have the greatest respect for Sean O’Brien and I thought he was outstanding on the Lions tour. His comments are tomorrow’s fish and chip paper and it will all soon be forgotten.