Borthwick, Farrell and Howley to join Warren Gatland's coaching panel for British and Irish Lions tour

Former England internationals Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell along with former Wales scrum-half Rob Howley will accompany head coach Warren Gatland for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in June 2017.

Farrell is the defence coach of the Ireland team that had phenomenal success this year, including a historic victory over All Blacks for the first time in 111 years. He also worked as the assistant coach of England between 2011 and 2015 under Stuart Lancaster and was instrumental in Lions' 2013 tour of Australia which they won 2-1.

England forwards coach Borthwick will be making his first stint with the Lions squad but has vast experience of working under Eddie Jones with the England team as well as with Japan. He also had a brief stint with Bristol as forwards coach.

Meanwhile, Howley, who has taken over as interim coach of Wales in the absence of Gatland will be making his third tour with the British and Irish Lions apart from his experience of touring in 1997 and 2001 as a player.

Former England and Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan and Saracens rugby director Mark McCall also could be further additions in the panel but Gatland described this as the "core" of the backroom staff.

Gatland said: "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."

The trio will be busy with their respective national teams in the upcoming Six Nations tournament in February next year.

The team management will be announced January next year while the squad will be named in April after the conclusion of the Six Nations tournament.

Borthwick described it as "privilege" and "honour" to be part of the Lions' backroom staff.

"There have been some fantastic Lions forwards coaches in the past - Jim Telfer, Andy Robinson, Warren himself, Graham Rowntree - and it's a real privilege to be chosen. It's a brilliant challenge.

"We've seen some fantastic results from the home nations in the recent autumn series and some brilliant performances by the players. That all bodes well for the Lions."

Farrell added: "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.

"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."

And Howley said: "The British and Irish Lions is at the pinnacle of international rugby. We have a responsibility to uphold its tradition and heritage, and build on the success of the 2013 tour.

"This will be my fifth tour with the Lions, but my first to New Zealand. We are under no illusions what to expect on the field, but with the inspirational travelling support from all four home nations behind us, I believe it will be a memorable six weeks.

"As a coach, the experiences in 2009 and 2013 were hugely-rewarding, and I would like to thank the WRU (Welsh Rugby Union) for once again supporting the role and understanding the benefits we can take forward from this opportunity."