Reports: Warren Gatland Has Approached These Two Men About Lions Coaching Roles

Warren Gatland is set to name his backroom Lions team in the coming weeks.

A number of names have been linked with roles in the last few weeks, with Ireland coach Joe Schmidt reportedly turning down an offer from his fellow Kiwi to join the panel, in favour of staying with Ireland to develop their younger players over the summer.

WalesOnline have now revealed today that two other men have been officially approached by Gatland about possible roles. Those two men are Irelands defence coach Andy Farrell and England forwards coach, Steve Borthwick.

Farrell has been a revelation with Ireland since joining in the summer, helping guide them to a first win on South African soil and a first win over the All Blacks in their 111 year history of meeting. The former rugby league star toured with the Lions and Gatland in 2013 as they came away with a series win against Australia.

Borthwick worked alongside Eddie Jones at Japan before being brought with him to England as he took up the head coaching role. England have remained unbeaten under Jones and Borthwick, with the former lock quickly becoming one of the most highly regarded coaches in world rugby.

Rob Howley’s hopes of being on a third consecutive tour as attack coach are reportedly in jeopardy also, with Gatland said to be interested in bringing Gregor Townsend in for the role.

Gatland is expected to announce his team on December 7th