Gatland plans formidable Lions coaching staff

Reports in England suggest that Warren Gatland wants Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend and England assistant John Mitchell to be part of his British & Irish Lions coaching staff.

According to the Telegraph, Townsend, Mitchell and Ireland head coach Andy Farrell are likely to be invited to be part of the Lions coaching staff for the series against the Springboks.

The report states that the Scotland Rugby Union has already given Townsend its blessing to take his place as an assistant after he missed out on the opportunity during the previous tour of New Zealand in 2017.

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Townsend is set to be appointed as assistant coach in charge of the Lions attack.

Meanwhile, Gatland may have to decide between Farrell and Mitchell, depending on whether the tour proceeds as planned in South Africa or is relocated to the UK or Australia. The Lions would require the permission of the Ireland and England Rugby Unions to get Farrell and Mitchell on board.

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