Lions all set to turn to Warren Gatland again

Warren Gatland is to be unveiled as head coach for the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand knowing a brutal itinerary has just been made even harder.

Gatland is poised to fill the post for a second time after masterminding the 2-1 series victory over Australia three years ago with confirmation of his appointment due at a press conference in Edinburgh today.

The 52-year-old Kiwi has the sabbatical required by the Lions written into his Wales contract and, accompanied by tour manager John Spencer, will depart for New Zealand tomorrow to begin plotting the world champions’ downfall. The arduous 10-fixture schedule, culminating in a three-Test series, has grown even more challenging with the news the All Blacks will be selected by their Super Rugby teams for the early tour matches.