WARREN GATLAND has been confirmed as the British and Irish Lions boss for the daunting 2017 tour of New Zealand.
Wales head coach Gatland is taking charge of the Lions for the second time after clinching a 2013 series win against Australia.
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The Kiwi will take a year out from his Dragons duties with Rob Howley set to fill his shoes at the Principality Stadium as interim head coach.
As part of Gatland’s latest Wales contract he ensured that he had a clause to allow him to take a sabbatical if the Lions came calling.
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With England boss Eddie Jones ruling himself out after masterminding a historic series win against the Wallabies this summer it left the path clear for Gatland, 52, to take the job.
It is expected he will name his coaching staff in December and could include the likes of impressive Red Rose backroom staff Steve Borthwick and Paul Gustard.
Gatland told any players who didn’t think they could shock the world champions to not even get on the plane.
He said: “It’s a huge honour. If there are people, players or coaches, who believe we haven’t got a chance put your hands up now and don’t get on the plane. We have to go there as a team and believe we can be successful.
“To go to New Zealand and lead the team against the back to back world champions in their own back yard – there’s no bigger challenge. I’m hugely looking forward to it.
“I haven’t really had much time to think about that at the moment. The important thing that we’ve learned is that you want some continuity.
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“There’s a limited amount of preparation time. But it’s also important to get some fresh faces in as well. I’m looking to name the support staff on December 7th.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we had the ability to go to New Zealand and win. I think the players are very well aware of how important the next few months are.
“A lot of them are desperate to be on that plane and go on a tour that is a massive challenge but could be something very, very special.”
The Lions have already come under heavy fire from Premiership bosses for agreeing to tour where the first game is just ONE week after the Prem and Pro12 finals.
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Gatland even admitted before this year’s Six Nations that the task of leading the Lions on a 10-game series – which includes three Tests against the All Blacks – was the toughest in rugby.
He said: “It’s a really tough tour. I’m not saying the Lions can’t win, it’s just a tough schedule.
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“It’s the hardest place in the world to go and play, from a travel and organisation perspective as well as the rugby perspective.
“It’s not un-winnable, but it’s a very, very tough schedule.”
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