Report: Gatland assembling a formidable coaching line-up for the British and Irish Lions
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Warren Gatland plans on assembling the most formidable coaching line-up witnessed in British and Irish Lions history, The Telegraph reports.
The former Wales boss is set to task the likes of Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, Ireland boss Andy Farrell and England’s defensive guru John Mitchell to help the Lions topple the World Champion Springboks later this year.
According to the report by ll three coaches are likely to be invited onboard for the summer’s series against South Africa. Townsend was invited for the 2017 tour but had just taken over as the Scotland boss and opted to concentrate on his new role but the Scottish Rugby Union clearing the way for himto take his place on the coaching team this time around. Meanwhile, Farrell and Mitchell are being lined up should they get permission from their respective unions.
Gatland's backroom staff is also set to include Munster forward's coach Graham Rowntree, Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick and Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins. The report goes on to state that Gatland may be forced into picking between either Farrell or Mitchell while Townsend is to be offered a key role as an assistant coach with responsibility for the team’s attacking play.
