2013 Lions captain Sam Warburton wants the head coaches of Wales, Scotland and Ireland to be part of the backroom staff for the tour to New Zealand next year.
Wales coach Warren Gatland is favourite to lead the side for the second tour in a row, but Warburton wants the New Zealand-born duo of Vern Cotter and Joe Schmidt to join Gatland in their native land.
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt with Scotland head coach Vern Cotter. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Warburton revealed that having three coaches with experience of coaching in New Zealand would be crucial if the invitational side are to defeat the World Champions in the three-test series.
“I think the summer tours will have a bit of a bearing and ideally it would be great to pick two or three coaches out of the home nations."
England coach Eddie Jones has ruled himself of of the running to work with the team next year, but Cotter and Schmidt have yet to lay their cards on the table. Warburton hopes the duo, who worked together in France with Clermont Auvergne will be considered.
“It does put them in a strong position, being Kiwis. I think it puts them at an advantage over a coach who has achieved the same things who might be European, for example."
2013 British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland and captain Sam Warburton. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
The coaching team is expected to be announced at the end of the summer, once the summer internationals conclude involving Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland. Gatland's Wales side face New Zealand in a three-test series in June in what may have a bearing in who gets the head coaching position.
Next year's Lions tour begins on June 3rd, with the first test taking place three weeks later in Auckland.
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