Howley back in spotlight

Rob Howley is back in the international rugby spotlight - a month after retiring from international rugby.

Scrum-half Howley capped 59 times by Wales, has been named in the preliminary 20-strong Wales Sevens squad for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester at the end of July.

‘‘I wouldn’t call this international rugby - it’s the Sevens tournament,’’ explained Howley.

‘‘I missed out on the last Commonwealth Games and this is a great opportunity for me.

‘‘I was asked to put my name forward and I’m happy to do that. Sevens is becoming a major part of the international calendar.’’

Also recalled for the Games, though playing no part in last season’s International Rugby Board tournament, is British Lions winger Dafydd James.

‘‘Rugby is part of the Commonwealth Games and we’ll be flying the flag for the Welsh nation, not just the rugby part of it,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ll be proud to go up there representing Wales and hopefully we’ll get a medal.’’