Warren Gatland ready to break the All Blacks' spell

Warren Gatland has welcomed the challenge of leading the most arduous tour in British and Irish Lions history knowing the rewards for glory would be great.

Gatland has been placed in charge of next summer’s odyssey to New Zealand and will begin a 10-month sabbatical from his post with Wales immediately by heading to the home of the reigning world champions today.

The 52-year-old Kiwi masterminded a 2-1 series victory over Australia three years ago, but knows that three Tests against opponents he claims have “taken the game on to a new level” is a different proposition.