Warren Gatland knew for a 'long time' that Andy Farrell would not join Lions staff

The Ireland head coach has decided to stick with the day job while Munster's Graham Rowntree has opted against taking part as his family settles into life in Limerick

British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland with Ireland coach Andy Farrell

Warren Gatland says he knew for some time that Ireland head coach Andy Farrell would not be part of his British and Irish Lions backroom team for the summer tour to South Africa.

Farrell had been coy about his intentions in recent months, saying at the start of March that he was still 'in the dark', but he ultimately decided that he would not be part of the group to take on the world champions.