WALES COACH Warren Gatland has received an offer to lead the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Australia next year. It is understood that Gatland was interviewed for the role of head coach, along with Ireland’s Declan Kidney and Scotland’s Andy Robinson, in London last week.

The 48-year-old New Zealander guided Wales to a second Six Nations Grand Slam in his four-year tenure and has previous Lions experience having been part of the backroom staff for the 2009 tour to South Africa.

The Lions plan to unveil their choice for head coach at the end of April or the start of May, and it is understood initial talks have been held between Gatland, the Lions and the Welsh Rugby Union regarding the terms of his release.

One of the key areas of discussion will be whether Gatland takes charge of Wales for their autumn international schedule later this year. The Lions would ideally like their head coach to be available for a 12-month period prior to the trip Down Under.