By Alex Lowe, PA Sport

Rob Howley may have retired from Test rugby, but he has not ruled out representing Wales in next years IRB World Sevens Series - providing the Welsh Rugby Union can afford it.

Wales crashed out of the plate competition to Australia on Sunday, with Howley left on the bench in a feisty encounter at the City of Manchester Stadium.

But the 31-year-old Wasps half-back, with a wealth of international experience has been bitten by the sevens bug and is angling for further involvement.

Wales coach Colin Hillman has already approached him to take part next season but whether Wasps' high profile new signing will be able to negotiate the time away from Adams Park remains to be seen.

Howley, however, firmly believes he has a lot to offer on a stage ideal for breeding the next generation of Test players.

"Colin has asked me and if it's possible, with me joining Wasps, I wouldn't mind," he said.

"Obviously with the experience I've got I can nurture players through international rugby.

"I've retired from international rugby but I'd love to go into coaching. From a sevens point of view, I get on well with Colin and he has asked me to participate next year.

"It gives you great standing. When you play out there, there is no hiding place. It's a very tough game, your fitness levels are questioned and you have to play to your best.

"It's great to get out and test yourself in that environment - to be tested in front of a 500million audience on television, a sell-out crowd and against athletes from other Commonwealth countries."

However, the WRU's worrying financial situation may mean Wales cannot compete in as many tournaments next year as they did this.

Howley has urged the WRU to embrace sevens as New Zealand have done for many years.

"I feel you can learn so much. If you look at the Australians, New Zealand and South Africa, they set the standard," he said.

"It's a different fitness level, a different game and I feel any potential international rugby player should play in a sevens tournament.

"Whether Wales are going to be a part of the IRB series is in question because of the funding.

"If that does happen (Wales' withdrawal) it will be a major disappointment because players of the younger generation need to be tested in a tough environment. And you don't get tougher than seven against seven on the IRB series.

"I think it's important that Wales are in the IRB series as often as they can. For the development of players on the international level it helps so much.

"I've learnt so much over the last three days and you're talking to someone who has got 59 caps.

"This is another level. New Zealand have contracted players and I know Wales are in a different situation with the league set up but I think even if clubs allow one player to participate, those clubs will benefit from that player's experience.

"The IRB series is one of the ways forward to make more players available to (national coach) Steve Hansen for selection."

For Howley the way forward is now with Wasps after drawing to a close an illustrious international career that included three Lions caps on last year's tour to Australia.

"There is no doubt I'll miss it," he said. "The craic with the boys, the respect and friendship I've made over the last six years with Wales, of course you'll miss it.

"But I made the decision for family reasons and I'm looking forward to my career with Wasps and it is a whole new start.

"We're moving up as a whole family and there are goals to achieve on and off the field."