Steve thrilled by Lions coach job

Dec 08, 2016, 01:23
Steve thrilled by Lions coach job

Head coach Warren Gatland made the expected decision to name Howley, who has been acting as interim head coach of Wales, and Ireland defence coach, Farrell, given that they have experience of touring with the Lions.

Borthwick, now working under Eddie Jones as forwards coach for England, will look after the forwards and bring his lineout expertise to the Lions.

"We're going to be doing battle against each other in the Six Nations, in the New Year, which'll be great and as coaches we're going to be watching each other's teams".

Lions boss Warren Gatland will announce his assistant coaches in Ireland today.

Howley, 46, has been a trusted lieutenant of Gatland's since being hired as Wales's attack coach when the New Zealander took over the national coach role in 2008.

These three will assist the head coach on the tour of New Zealand - but there are more to be announced.

"We are going to have a headache after the Six Nations because there are going to be some top, top players out there that are going to be disappointed that they are not going to go on the tour".

The core of the coaching team will be completed by Steve Borthwick.

Former England captain Borthwick's stock rose on the back of Japan's impressive World Cup campaign past year when he was the forwards coach - which included a victory over two-time world champions South Africa.

"I think if we have a dominant Six Nations, I would expect anywhere from 10-15 of our players to be in the Lions' squad", Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live. I have identified someone I want to get. The challenge for us will be to get on the same page as quickly as possible, appreciate the danger they pose and find solutions to their attacking threats'. "We're just making sure we speak to the right people".

The 29-year-old is reported to be in talks to join Toulon at the end of the season with the England door seemingly shut but while this would rule him out of future selection by Jones it would not be an issue for the Lions. "The intent and ambition will have to be there. We'll need to have that in abundance to be successful coming into New Zealand".

Tour manager John Spencer, part of the only Lions side to win a series in New Zealand, said: " You only have to look at the experience and form of the coaches that have been selected to know that they can win in New Zealand.

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