One more time.

Warren Gatland will coach the British and Irish Lions in 2025 on their tour of Australia, with the New Zealander set to take charge of his fourth successive tour.

Gatland led the British and Irish Lions to a series win over Australia back in 2013, before going on to draw a series in his native New Zeland in 2017. Things however, didn’t go quite according to plan last time around in 2021, with the Lions falling to a 2-1 series loss to South Africa.

Ireland boss Andy Farrell had been hotly tipped for the role following his success over the last couple of years with the men in green, but he is not expected to be part of the coaching ticket this time around.

Gatland has also announced that Sam Warburton will be coming out of retirement for the tour to captain the touring party for a third time, with Alun Wyn Jones set to act as vice-captain.

“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to take charge of the British and Irish Lions once again,” Gatland said in an official statement.

“Wales are pretty shite at the moment, so I felt it was important to take the job so I can get as many of them as possible into the squad. I’ve already been chatting to Jamie Roberts and he’s keen to come out of retirement too.

“I’m hoping to touch bases with Mike Phillips and Shane Williams too. The more, the merrier.”

Gatland also revealed he’s been in talks with a former Ireland international too…

“I’m hoping Brian O’Driscoll will accept a call-up too. Gonna drop the bastard then for Jonathan Davies and Roberts in the centre just for shits and giggles and to piss the Irish off. I’m reallly looking forward to that one,” Gatland added 

Gatland’s coaching ticket is set to be confirmed in the coming weeks with Rob Howley, Tom Jones, Charlotte Church and Gavin Henson all expected to be part of his ticket. Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have also held discussions.

*Happy April Fool’s day!