Howley stunned by rapid progress

Rob Howley’s coaching career will continue to flourish with the Lions next year, and the former scrum-half admits he is still pinching himself at his rapid rise.

Howley only joined Warren Gatland’s Wales staff from Cardiff Blues last January but, in his role as backs coach, helped his country to the RBS 6 Nations title and Grand Slam glory, and has now landed a role on the 2009 Lions tour.