Gatland and Edwards admit Lions fever
March 17 2008
Grand Slam-winning coach Warren Gatland has thrown his hat into the British and Irish Lions ring, just two days after lifting the Six Nations crown.
And Gatland would also like his right-hand man during Wales' Six Nations success, Shaun Edwards, to be involved.
New Zealander Gatland, 44, has revived Wales after a dismal World Cup, yet he insists he will remain focused on that job should a Lions position for the tour to South Africa come along.
"If there's a chance to get involved at some level that would be a huge honour but I have to make sure I don't neglect Wales," he said, speaking to BBC Radio Five Live.
"I'm not going to get ahead of myself - in the past other coaches have been involved with the Lions and haven't made their own job with their own nation the number one priority.
"The Lions take up a lot of time and there's a lot of politics involved in picking the right team."
Gatland and Edwards have enjoyed a hugely successful partnership having previously guided Wasps to Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup glory.
Edwards, who is still Head Coach at Wasps, linked up with Wales to pursue a career in international coaching.
He turned down a role with England's second-string Saxons side to work at the elite level with Wales on a twin-contract basis.
"I'd love Shaun to be involved and he would relish that responsibility," Gatland said.
"He's a very proud Englishman who's working for Wales at the moment and we're delighted to have him."
Edwards too has spoken of the possibility of working alongside Gatland with the Lions as an exciting proposition.
"I think Warren would definitely go if asked and I'm sure he'd do a very good job," he told BBC's Inside Sport programme.
"I'd like to put my hat in the ring - but not as a Head Coach."