Warren Gatland has admitted he would consider leading the Lions to New Zealand in 2017, if he was given the opportunity, according to the Associated Press.
The Wales coach was speaking in the aftermath of leading the Lions to their first series win in 16 years, with a 41-16 third test win over Australia yesterday morning in Sydney.
"There's a lot of water to go under the bridge before 2017. You get opportunities in life if you're part of successful environments and teams," Gatland said.
"Winning a couple of Grand Slams with Wales and reaching the semi-final of the World Cup has given me this opportunity.
"I'm grateful for the chance and if it came up again then it's something I might look at," he added.
Gatland is contracted with Wales until after the 2015 World Cup. If he were to lead the Lions in 2017 he would become only the second coach - after Ian McGeechan - to lead two Lions tours.
He spoke about how this tour had been tougher than the 2009 trip to South Africa, and spoke of a need to see the approach to the Lions’ preparation change to better give the tourists a chance at victory.
"It's tougher than it was in South Africa four years ago because the game's becoming more and more physical,” he said.
"It's tough to put two games together, so maybe you need a break in between games to rejuvenate yourself.
"It's important that the Lions and home unions get together to agree adequate preparation time.
"The season needs to be adjusted so that we can spend a couple of weeks in the UK preparing properly. The Lions need to be given the best possible chance to be successful for the future,” Gatland said.
The New Zealander went on to speak about the difficulties inherent in staging a tour in New Zealand, with logistical concerns a major factor.
"New Zealand is harder from a logistical point of view. It wasn't until I left there that I realised what a difficult country it is to tour because getting around is more challenging."
Image: Lion's head coach Warren Gatland in the changing room after yesterday's match
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
