Warren Gatland has agreed to become head coach of the British and Irish Lions for the tour to South Africa in 2021, Press Association Sport understands.
The Lions have moved swiftly to secure Gatland for a record third successive term, in the process ending the prospect of the Kiwi replacing Eddie Jones as England boss after the World Cup.
Although the contract has yet to be signed as Gatland is currently in New Zealand, a verbal agreement has been reached.
It means Gatland will complete the set of Lions tour destinations following a series win against Australia in 2013 and 1-1 draw with New Zealand four years later.
A spokesman for the Lions declined to comment on the news.
Gatland steps down as Wales boss after the World Cup and as one of the game’s finest coaches, he was linked with a number of positions including England.
Since taking charge of Wales in 2007, he has masterminded four Six Nations titles including three Grand Slams and passage into the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup.
