Lions to confirm Gatland

Warren Gatland: two Grand Slams during time in charge of Wales

Warren Gatland will be named as head coach of the British and Irish Lions for their 2013 tour of Australia on Tuesday.

Gatland has long been the overwhelming favourite for the role after leading Wales to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2011 and completing his second Six Nations Grand Slam last season.

The Lions were forced to delay the announcement after Gatland broke both of his heels in a fall whilst on holiday in New Zealand.

The 48-year-old will be the second Kiwi to lead the Lions to Australia after Graham Henry took charge of their series defeat in 2001.

Gatland is expected to confirm his full coaching team in October with England forwards coach Graham Rowntree and Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards likely to be involved.

All three were part of Sir Ian McGeechan's coaching team for the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa.

Gatland will coach Wales in their autumn Tests against New Zealand and Australia but otherwise he will be on secondment full-time to the Lions.

Rob Howley led Wales on their summer tour of Australia in Gatland's absence over the summer and he will continue in that role through to the 2013 Six Nations.

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