Wales could block Gatland's Lions role

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Wales head coach Gatland insisted earlier in the week that his current job was his priority, but admitted it was "flattering" to be linked with the Lions role.

WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis told BBC Sport Wales: "The Lions are our partners, they're part of the heritage and history of Welsh rugby, and with Gerald Davies as their manager, we have great relations there. But if they came knocking for Warren, it would be our prerogative and right to block them."

The WRU could be discouraged by the unhappy experience of another New Zealander who led the Lions, Graham Henry, who took charge of the 2001 tour to Australia.

Henry was Wales coach at the time and took a large contingent of his players on the tour.

But when a number of them failed to make the Test team, it played a part in destroying his relationship with the Wales dressing room.

But another ex-Wales coach, 2005 Grand Slam winner Mike Ruddock, believes that should not necessarily rule out Gatland.

"I'm sure Warren could do a fantastic job with the Lions," said Ruddock.

"Henry's experiences with the 2001 Lions obviously did affect his relationship with the Wales players.

"But I think people will learn from that experience. It's a professional game, players should be able to put grudges aside and come back from a Lions tour ready to fight for their Wales place."