Robert Howley will return to the Wales coaching staff for the 2024 Six Nations after a four-year absence.

Howley links up with Gatland again as Wales begin their Six Nations campaign against Scotland on 3 February.

"It feels to me like the time is right and I am looking forward to returning to the fold with Wales," said Howley.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) earlier announced Jonathan Thomas has left his role as contact area coach, with Howley appointed to help fill the void.

Alex King (attack), Mike Forshaw (defence), Jonathan Humphreys (forwards) and Neil Jenkins (kicking) remain in the coaching set-up.

In his new role, Howley will also have special responsibility for the men's and boys' pathway, working closely with the new Wales Under-20s head coach Richard Whiffin.

Howley will join Whiffin at an under-20s camp in Scotland next week and for training matches in the new year before their Six Nations competition.

Whiffin succeeds Mark Jones, who stepped down from the role following the Junior World Championships last summer to take a position with Ospreys.

Howley's appointment is the next step in his reintegration into the game after his stellar coaching career was left in tatters in 2019.

Howley was a key part of the first golden Gatland era, which featured three Grand Slams along with a fourth Six Nations title while he was caretaker coach during a 12-year stint. Howley also toured three times as British and Irish Lions attack coach.

But just days before the 2019 World Cup kicked off in Japan, his life was turned upside down as he was sent home amid allegations of betting breaches.

He was subsequently banned from rugby for 18 months, nine of them suspended.

The former Bridgend, Cardiff, Wasps, Wales and Lions scrum-half was given a route back by Canada head coach and former Wales captain Kingsley Jones in 2020.

Howley was hired as senior assistant coach and also worked as a consultant with the Toronto Arrows, who ceased trading in November 2023.

"I have a second opportunity to do a job I've dedicated my working life to and I'm grateful to everyone in Welsh rugby for their acceptance and their faith in me, it's faith I intend to repay to the best of my ability," said Howley.

"I have been through an extremely challenging time in my life, speaking out and talking about it has enabled me to move forward.

"I will be more than happy to share my experience with others who might be experiencing tough times and I'm grateful to all of those around me who have supported me through these times.

"The opportunity to work with the U20s and other pathway teams and help develop and prepare them for the challenges of international rugby is particularly exciting.

"In Richard Whiffin, we have a very talented young coach coming in to take charge of the U20s and we have a great group of players identified already, so the future is looking really positive in Wales despite the obvious challenges of the current economic environment globally."

Gatland was blocked by the WRU from bringing back his former number two when the Kiwi took charge of Wales a second time last December, but he now has his wish.

"Rob is one of the most successful and experienced Welsh coaches on the international arena at the moment," said Gatland.

"When we lost Rob from Welsh rugby, we lost a hugely significant amount of intellectual property, knowledge of the game in Wales and of the international scene.

"I'm delighted to welcome him back into this new role. To be able to link the U20s and pathway teams up seamlessly with our strategy and planning for the national squad is going to benefit all parts of the game, including our four regional sides and their academies.

"As far as the senior men's team is concerned we are delighted that he will be joining the 2024 coaching team and it is a major coup for Welsh rugby to have secured his services once again."