Warren Gatland has been retained as coach of the British & Irish Lions for their 2017 tour of New Zealand, British media reported on Sunday.
The 52-year-old Wales coach would be confirmed for his second successive tour on Wednesday in Edinburgh, The Times newspaper said. Gatland, who was born in New Zealand, guided the Lions to a series win over Australia in 2013.
The Lions play 10 matches on the highly anticipated tour, which includes three Tests against the All Blacks, a game against the Maori All Blacks and matches against each of New Zealand’s five Super Rugby franchises.
The Lions open the tour against a combined provincial selection, likely to be made up of semi-professional and amateur players, on June 3.
They last toured New Zealand in 2005 under England’s World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward and were beaten in all three Tests by the All Blacks.
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