British and Irish Lions: Warren Gatland ready for the 'biggest challenge' as he's named coach for 2017 New Zealand tour

Gatland retains his position from the successful 2013 tour of Australia

Warren Gatland has been announced as head coach for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand (Getty)

Warren Gatland has been confirmed as the head coach of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017, retaining the role he held in guiding the side to a first series victory for 16 years when they triumphed over Australia four years ago.

The New Zealander will be tasked with leading a successful tour of New Zealand for the first time since 1971, and after being unveiled at a press conference in Edinburgh, he admitted that he is faced with the toughest challenge in the sport.

"You get offered probably the biggest job in world rugby against the best opposition in world rugby, you get that sort of challenge and it is very difficult to walk away from that,” said Gatland.

"When I was offered the position, it was definitely a 'yes' straightaway.

"It's massive. Having played against the Lions, I know what it means to face the Lions and have that opportunity. To go to New Zealand and lead the team against back-to-back world champions, consistently the best team in the world, in their back yard is no bigger challenge.

Gatland was the heavy favourite to be retained as head coach following his success Down Under three years ago, and beat off competition from Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and Scotland out-going boss Vern Cotter. Eddie Jones ruled himself out of the running earlier this year due to his commitments to England, although it’s unlikely that he would have beaten Gatland to the role.

The 52-year-old will feature in his third Lions tour after he was assistant to Sir Ian McGeechan for the 2009 series against South Africa.

"The chance to work with the best players from the four Home Nations is a coach's dream and we have some outstanding talent to select from," Gatland continued.

Gatland will lead his second consecutive British and Irish Lions tour (Getty)

"Likewise, there are some outstanding coaches who could potentially be involved and we'll look to announce them in December.

For the All Blacks a Lions series is the ultimate test, but I'm 100 per cent confident that we can go and win in New Zealand

&#13; <p>Warren Gatland</p>&#13;

"I'm looking forward to seeing how they and the players get on domestically, in Europe and internationally."

He added: "I know from having been in New Zealand recently how much excitement there is ahead of next year.

"For the All Blacks a Lions series is the ultimate test, but I'm 100 per cent confident that we can go and win in New Zealand."

Gatland retains his role from the 2013 Lions series (Getty)

Gatland will take a year sabbatical from his role as Wales head coach, meaning Rob Howley once again stands in for Wales’s autumn internationals as well as next year’s Six Nations campaign. Howley could well feature on Gatland’s coaching staff as he did three years ago, while his suggestion of “continuity” means that former England coaches Andy Farrell and Graham could be in the mix again next summer.

There is a limited amount of preparation time, so some continuity is important, and I think it is also important that you get some fresh faces

&#13; <p>Warren Gatland</p>&#13;

Farrell – now defence coach with Ireland – impressed the New Zealander on the last tour and could be offered a similar role, but although Rowntree’s reputation remains largely intact despite the his exit as part of Stuart Lancaster’s departure from the England set-up, his current role with Harlequins could keep him out of the running.

Current England coaches Steve Borthwick and Paul Gustard are also being linked with roles after impressing during England’s Six Nations Grand Slam success earlier this year.

"I haven't really had much time to think about that at the moment," Gatland said.

"I think what we've learnt in the last couple of (Lions) tours I've been on is that you want some continuity.

Gatland will decide his backroom staff by 7 December (Getty)

"There is a limited amount of preparation time, so some continuity is important, and I think it is also important that you get some fresh faces and bring some fresh ideas as well.

"We are looking to name the support staff and management team on December 7, so that will be my role over the next couple of months, looking to finalise that group.

"I fly out to New Zealand tomorrow to do a reccie in terms of looking at hotels and training venues. I will get a chance to see the All Blacks on Saturday in Hamilton against Argentina, and then next week in Christchurch against South Africa.

Warren Gatland will lead the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand (Getty)

Reigning world champions New Zealand have lost just two matches in five years, having not suffered defeat on home soil since their 32-29 loss to South Africa in Hamilton back in September 2009, and the 1971 success remains the Lions’ only successful series in New Zealand.

The 2017 series is already under scrutiny given that the Lions squad arrive in the Land of the Long White Cloud just eight days before they play their first match, while players involved in the Premiership and Pro 12 finals on 28 May will arrive late as the opening tour match takes place the following weekend.

To challenge yourself against the best, there is no bigger challenge

&#13; <p>Warren Gatland</p>&#13;

With 10 matches planned for the tour, New Zealand selector Grant Fox has also delivered the news that All Black internationals will be made available for Super Rugby sides the Blues, Crusaders and Highlanders in order to try and soften up the Lions. Gatland though appeared to relish the challenge, and evidently relishes the task of trying to decide the best XV to take on the All Blacks in what could prove to be one of the highest-profile Lions tours ever witnessed.

"I am hugely forward looking to the challenge and the prospect ahead.

"You have got to go there with that belief that we can put a squad together, a coaching team and management team that are capable of going down there and being successful in New Zealand.

"To challenge yourself against the best, there is no bigger challenge, and I think everyone is hugely excited about the next 10 months, really.

"You want people with confidence in their ability and confidence to play in what is going to be an incredibly tough environment.

Gatland shakes hands with British and Irish Lions tour manager John Spencer (Getty)

"One of the challenges for me as the coach is often you are picking players who are used to being number one in their own position at their club and for the their nation, and sometimes you come together in a Lions set-up, and you could be number two or three.

"You are looking for people who are positive characters who can handle disappointment, sometimes, and be part of the squad. The make-up of the personnel is going to be incredibly important, and we will be looking closely at making sure we pick the right people."

British and Irish Lions Tour schedule

May 31: Lions arrive in New Zealand

3 June: Lions vs New Zealand Barbarians (Whangarei)

7 June: Lions vs Blues (Auckland)

10 June: Lions vs Crusaders (Christchurch)

13 June: Lions vs Highlanders (Dunedin)

17 June: Lions vs Maori All Blacks (Rotorua)

20 June: Lions vs Chiefs (Hamilton)

24 June: Lions vs New Zealand – First Test (Auckland)

27 June: Lions vs Hurricanes (Wellington )

1 July: Lions vs New Zealand – Second Test (Wellington)

8 July: Lions vs New Zealand – Third Test (Auckland)