Wales boss Warren Gatland says that skipper Alun Wyn Jones is a player that "deserves all the accolades" as he prepares to equal his country's cap record.
Jones will make a 129th Wales appearance in Monday's World Cup opener against Georgia, matching prop Gethin Jenkins' achievement.
"He has been absolutely outstanding," Gatland said of the 34-year-old. "He has got better with age – he's like a good wine.
"He deserves all the accolades. He has been a great servant to Welsh rugby. The pleasing thing for me is that recognition hasn't just been in Wales. It has been worldwide.
Howley, 48, has returned to Wales to assist with an investigation relating to a potential breach of World Rugby regulation six, specifically betting on rugby union.
Former Wales fly-half Stephen Jones has replaced Howley and was involved in his first training session on Saturday.
"Yesterday, we had a day off, and he (Jones) spent all day in the team room looking at game footage, going through training and the calls and everything," Gatland added.
"He has fitted in well, and it has been easy because he has been in this environment as a player. He knows so many of the players as well."
