Warren Gatland set to name a number of specialist coaches in his Lions backroom staff after selecting Andy Farrell, Steve Borthwick and Rob Howely as coaches
Kiwi boss picked his three wise men - with more on the way as he prepares for daunting All Blacks test next summer
WARREN GATLAND will name a number of specialist coaches in his Lions backroom staff after unveiling his assistant coaches today.
Just as SunSport told you - the Kiwi boss picked Andy Farrell, Steve Borthwick and Rob Howely as his three wise men - with more on the way.
Gatland needs all the help he can get when he takes on the All Blacks next summer in a Three Test series.
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The Lions boss said: "We do hope to add some specialist people and I'm looking forward to the potential quality that's out there."
“I am excited about this coaching team. I said from the outset it was important to have continuity because we need to hit the ground running, given the limited preparation time.
"In Rob and Andy, we have guys who understand the Lions concept, have worked together and know how to coach a winning Lions team.
“It’s also important to have some new input. Steve has done a great job in shaping the England pack and played a major role in their recent run of success, so I am looking forward to working with him.”
Jonny Wilkinson could be asked again - but he turned down a kicking role in 2013.
Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan is also available, but there has been no contact with him from Gatland so far.
First-time Lions tourist Borthwick, the England forwards coach, said: “It is an honour. I think the challenge is an exciting one.
"To come together and make a cohesive pack is exciting. The players will bring different strengths, and we need to bring it together quickly in a short space of time. This tour gives us that opportunity to do something fantastic.
"Every one of the players that are going to be involved in this are going to be desperate to prove and play the very best they can."
And Farrell - now a double tourist after helping Gatland down Australia three years ago - brings much-needed knowledge on how to beat New Zealand after joining Ireland.
He said: “The Lions is a unique experience for players and coaches. To bring together the best players from four countries and go to the home of the world champions to take them on in their own back-yard — that’s pretty special.
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“As a group, we are going to be tested across the board against the number one-ranked team in the world.
“The challenge for us will be to get on the same page as quickly as possible, appreciate fully the danger they pose and find solutions to their attacking threats.”