Wales backs coach, Rob Howley has been sent home from the Rugby World Cup for an alleged breach of World Rugby's laws covering betting and anti‑corruption.
His departure is a huge blow just six days before Wales' opening game in Japan against Georgia.
A Welsh Rugby Union statement said Howley had returned to Wales to assist with an investigation.
The WRU confirmed it was in relation to a potential breach of betting on rugby.
World Rugby's regulation 6.3.1 reads: "No connected person shall, directly or indirectly, bet and/or attempt to bet on the outcome or any aspect of any connected event and/or receive and/or attempt to receive part or all of the proceeds of any such bet and/or any other benefit in relation to a bet."
Wales have sent for Stephen Jones to fill the gap left by Howley's sudden departure and Jones is expected to arrive imminently at the squad's Kitakyushu base.
Wales take on Georgia in their first match at 10.15pm Monday and will play against Fiji on the 9th of October at 9.45pm.
Meanwhile, Fiji play the Wallabies at 4.45pm this Saturday.
The World cup kicks‑off this Friday with hosts Japan taking on Russia at 10.45pm.
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