Warren Gatland to opt for experience to fill out his Lions coaching staff

Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree heading to Australia with the Lions next summer

Warren Gatland is expected to name Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell as part of his British and Irish Lions coaching set-up next week.

The England coaches should be confirmed for the tour of Australia next summer, along with Wales interim boss Rob Howley, when the official announcement is made on Wednesday.

Howley took charge of Wales for the early part of their autumn international campaign, with Gatland beginning his Lions work as he recovered from serious heel injuries suffered in an accident over the summer.

He will also lead Wales into the Six Nations early in 2013 with Gatland concentrating on further Lions preparations ahead of the tour which begins on 22 June in Brisbane.

Rowntree was part of Ian McGeechan's team during the 2009 tour of South Africa, along with Howley, but it will be a first involvement for Farrell, who only retired from the playing ranks that summer.

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