Warren Gatland named as British and Irish Lions coach for 2013 Tour of Australia
Warren Gatland believes he has been handed the "ultimate rugby honour" after being belatedly confirmed as the Lions coach for next summer's tour of Australia.
Gatland was the outstanding candidate for the post after leading Wales to the semi-finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and last season's Grand Slam triumph. The Lions had initially planned to make the announcement in April but were forced into a delay after Gatland broke both his heels in a fall at his house in Waikato.
The 48 year-old becomes the second New Zealander to lead the Lions on tour to Australia, after Graham Henry's failed attempt to beat the Wallabies in 2001.
"This is the ultimate honour, but it comes with a massive responsibility," said Gatland. "It's a huge privilege, and having coached in Ireland, with Wales and in London with Wasps I feel I have an understanding of the unique cultures which make the Lions what it is.
Gatland is expected to confirm his full coaching team in October and it would be a surprise if the likes of Graham Rowntree and Shaun Edwards were not involved.
All three were part of the 2009 Lions management in South Africa and received the backing of head coach Ian McGeechan to carry the torch to Australia.
Gatland will coach Wales in their autumn Tests against New Zealand and Australia, but otherwise he will be seconded full-time to the Lions.
Rob Howley led Wales on their summer tour of Australia in Gatland's injury-enforced absence and will continue in that role through the 2013 Six Nations.
When Gatland leads the Lions to Australia, it will be 16 years since their last Test series victory - over world champions South Africa in 1997.
The Lions have lost to Australia (2001), New Zealand (2005) and South Africa (2009) in their last three Test series.
Next year's tour features 10 matches - the first of which will be against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1 - and three Tests against the Wallabies, in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Warren Gatland believes he has been handed the "ultimate rugby honour" after being belatedly confirmed as the Lions coach for next summer's tour of Australia.
Gatland was the outstanding candidate for the post after leading Wales to the semi-finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and last season's Grand Slam triumph. The Lions had initially planned to make the announcement in April but were forced into a delay after Gatland broke both his heels in a fall at his house in Waikato.
The 48 year-old becomes the second New Zealander to lead the Lions on tour to Australia, after Graham Henry's failed attempt to beat the Wallabies in 2001.
"This is the ultimate honour, but it comes with a massive responsibility," said Gatland. "It's a huge privilege, and having coached in Ireland, with Wales and in London with Wasps I feel I have an understanding of the unique cultures which make the Lions what it is.
Gatland is expected to confirm his full coaching team in October and it would be a surprise if the likes of Graham Rowntree and Shaun Edwards were not involved.
All three were part of the 2009 Lions management in South Africa and received the backing of head coach Ian McGeechan to carry the torch to Australia.
Gatland will coach Wales in their autumn Tests against New Zealand and Australia, but otherwise he will be seconded full-time to the Lions.
Rob Howley led Wales on their summer tour of Australia in Gatland's injury-enforced absence and will continue in that role through the 2013 Six Nations.
When Gatland leads the Lions to Australia, it will be 16 years since their last Test series victory - over world champions South Africa in 1997.
The Lions have lost to Australia (2001), New Zealand (2005) and South Africa (2009) in their last three Test series.
Next year's tour features 10 matches - the first of which will be against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1 - and three Tests against the Wallabies, in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
