Gatland appointed Lions head coach

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has been appointed the head coach of the British and Irish Lions for the 2013 tour of Australia.

The 48-year-old has been a long term favourite for the role, but his announcement was put back after the New Zealander broke both of his heels in a fall.

Gatland is the second Kiwi to coach the Lions after Graham Henry led the party in 2001.

“I am really honoured to have been asked to take the position of head coach,” Gatland said.

“There is no question it will be one hell of a challenge; playing in the southern hemisphere is one of rugby’s hardest challenges.

“The Lions came close in South Africa [in 2009] and our ambition is to win the series in 2013. I believe we have the players to do that.”

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree and Wales’ defence coach Shaun Edwards are expected to be named as Gatland’s back room staff, as the trio worked together in the 2009 Lions tour where they narrowly lost 2-1 to South Africa.

The Lions will play three test matches against Australia, and seven tour matches including warm up games against the Barbarians and Hong Kong.

Sports staff