Rugby: Home Lions coach unlikely

The Lions are unlikely to appoint a home nations coach to lead the 2013 Lions and will only pursue Warren Gatland if he can agree a break clause with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Tour manager Andy Irvine has revealed that the Lions committee have major reservations about selecting a head coach who will also be involved in the Si x Nations earlier that year. However, talks are planned with the WRU over the possibility of securing Gatland on a temporary basis should he be identified as the right man.

Only yesterday Gatland agreed a new contract.

"It's not feasible for a head coach to run the national side in the Six Nations prior to the tour because it would be asking too much," said Irvine.