Sparkling Howley insists Wales is history

Rob Howley maintained his scintillating start to life at Wasps with a vintage display against Bath, and then reiterated that he will not come out of international retirement. But on the evidence of the dramatic 27-27 draw at The Rec on Saturday, Wales coach Steve Hansen would be well advised not to take no for an answer.

Howley quit the Test arena in April, but much more of this eye-catching, man-of-the-match routine and the growing calls for a rethink will be overwhelming.

He set up one try with a dazzling break, passed superbly throughout and showed expert awareness of the

options around him. On such form, there is no better scrum half in Europe and Howley is still only 31. 'I had such a great time in the Welsh jersey, but I won't be coming back,' he said. 'I've got no regrets at all - it's just about playing well in the Premiership now. 'It was a decision made for family reasons. The whole Welsh squad will be committed to the World Cup and I found in '99 that your family do miss out. I didn't want to miss the opportunity of bringing up our second daughter, Rebecca.' Howley's claim that there is no weak link in the Premiership was borne out by events on Saturday. Bath, 24-9 down midway through the second half after Josh Lewsey had touched down twice while Dan Lyle was in the sin-bin and Howley's lightning burst had led to a penalty try, found a resolve that was totally beyond them last season.

They edged back into contention when Mike Tindall charged in from 20 yards and then, deep into injury-time, Lyle pounded over to seemingly cap an astounding fightback. Yet the final word went to Wasps fly half Alex King who, direct from the kick-off, gathered Lyle's tap forward and dropped a goal from 40 yards to tie the match.