Gatland expresses Lions interest

Warren Gatland has stated that he would consider joining the British & Irish Lions coaching ticket for 2013.

However, the Wales head coach has also insisted he will only take up a Lions role if gets approval from the Welsh Rugby Union.

Gatland, a member of Ian McGeechan's Lions coaching ticket for the 2009 of South Africa, has been mentioned as a potential coach for next year's tour of Australia.

"I would love to be involved with the Lions again if the opportunity came up," Gatland told Wales Online.

"South Africa was a wonderful rugby experience like no other. We went back to basics with an old-fashioned philosophy in a professional manner.

"It was a privilege to work with coaches and players from other nations and you learn so much.

"If I was involved in the same role as I did in South Africa under Ian McGeechan, there would not be a problem because someone else is head coach and in charge.

"One of the things the Lions would want from a head coach would be that person available for a certain period of time.

"That would mean the coach was not available for the 2013 Six Nations."