Warren Gatland set to become head coach of British and Irish Lions for 2021 tour of South Africa

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is set to take in charge of the British and Irish Lions for the third consecutive time when they head to South Africa for the 2021 series.

Gatland, who helped Wales to four Six Nations titles including three Grand Slams worked as an assistant coach of the Lions in 2009 before taking the head coach role during the 2013 series win over Australia and the 2017 drawn series against New Zealand.

With England coach Eddie Jones already turning down the offer, Gatland was an obvious choice for the role despite he is set to exit Wales role at the end of the World Cup scheduled later this year.

According to a report in the Press Association, it is understood that the 55-year-old has agreed verbally to the role with the Lions though the contract is yet to be signed.

The last time the Lions toured South Africa was in 2009 when Paul O'Connell's side went on to lose the three-game series 2-1.