Does anybody want to lead the Lions?

The position of British and Irish Lions head coach is supposed to be one of the most sought-after in rugby, but yesterday Joe Schmidt and Warren Gatland were doing their utmost to distance themselves from the role.

Schmidt’s reason was simple — his contract with Ireland does not permit him to take the role.

Gatland’s was far more blunt: he feels the schedule for next year’s tour of New Zealand is bordering on the suicidal and will almost certainly render it impossible for the Lions to claim back-to-back series victories.