Gatland would welcome another Lions tour

Warren Gatland would be interested in leading the British and Irish Lions for the second time when they tour his native New Zealand in 2017.

The 50-year-old transferred the success he has enjoyed with Wales to the Lions this summer, guiding the tourists to their first series win in 16 years as they defeated Australia in the final test to claim a 2-1 overall triumph.

Such was the effect on him of the Lions tour, Gatland would happily take the reins again — despite the criticism heaped on him after he dropped Brian O’Driscoll, which proved to be the right call.

“It was an incredible experience. To be involved, I was humbled and privileged,” Gatland told BBC Radio.

“For me to go to New Zealand would be a great opportunity in 2017, but there is a huge amount of water to pass under the bridge before that.

“For me, the focus over the next couple of years is doing well for Wales.

"And if Wales do well in the Six Nations and the World Cup, then you put yourself in the frame to hopefully be asked again.

“You never know, and if I was asked to do it again and particularly in my own country, it would be something I would relish.”

Recalling the series, Gatland described it as an “amazing experience” although he admitted he was shocked by the reaction to O’Driscoll’s axing.

“I wasn’t (prepared),” he said.

“I think that people out in Australia weren’t aware of the almost hysteria that created but that’s sport and you’ve got to stand by your beliefs, put your hand on your heart and sometimes make some tough decisions.”