2021 Lions coach candidate emerges

Wales coach Warren Gatland has had "informal conversations" about leading the British and Irish Lions once more when they tour South Africa in 2021.

Gatland has previously coached the side twice, against Australia in 2013 and against New Zealand when they returned in 2017.

"I've had a couple of informal conversations [about coaching the Lions] and that's all it's been at the moment," Gatland reportedly told media at a Welsh Rugby Union event in Cardiff earlier in the week.

Gatland is currently the head coach of Wales, and will step away after the side's 2019 World Cup campaign

"What could work out brilliantly is to finish with Wales after the World Cup, have a little break and then potentially do the Lions for 12 months heading into 2021."

A spokesman for the Lions told the BBC that there would be several candidates vying for the top job in 2021.

"That process hasn't begun yet, but decisions will be made in due course. The recruitment process has not yet been agreed," said the spokesman.

Other notable potential candidates include England coach Eddie Jones and Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell.

Gatland is undefeated when in charge of the side, leading the Lions to a 2-1 series win against Australia and a drawn series in New Zealand. After the New Zealand tour, Gatland subsequently ruled himself out of leading another tour, though he now seems open to the idea.

"I'm done. I hated the tour. I did," he said in 2017 after the tour of New Zealand. "I just hated the press and the negativity in New Zealand."

Gatland has led Wales since 2007 and the former hooker was once Waikato's leader for games played with 140. He played 17 non-capped matches for the All Blacks.

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