WARREN GATLAND will lead the Lions for a second time on their 2017 tour of New Zealand.
The Wales boss is to be unveiled on September 7 – pipping fellow Kiwi and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt to the hot-seat.
New Zealander Gatland has been the long-term favourite to retain the role after leading the Lions to a 2-1 series win in Australia in 2013.
England supremo Eddie Jones has categorically stated that he is unavailable for the post that requires the head coach to take a year’s sabbatical to prepare for the gruelling 10-match tour against the World Champions.
Despite Gatland’s Dragons being “blackwashed” by Steven Hansen’s side in New Zealand this summer, the 52-year-old has spoken openly about wanting to lead the Lions again.
Ireland’s Schmidt has fallen off the radar after back-to-back Six Nations wins in 2014 and 2015.
Incoming Scotland boss Gregor Townsend, a Lions star of the historic 1997 series win in South Africa, is in line for a coaching role.
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Red Rose boss Jones has also given the green light for coaches Steve Borthwick, Paul Gustard and Neal Hatley to travel if selected.
It is likely that England’s players will make the backbone of the side with Dylan Hartley, the Red Rose skipper and Northampton Saints hooker, the favourite to skipper the Lions.
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