Ian McGeechan, the Lions head coach, has moved closer to appointing a "dream team" for the summer tour to South Africa with all four coaches having been involved with London Wasps.

McGeechan, the Wasps director of rugby, wants to take his head coach Shaun Edwards along with Warren Gatland, the Wales boss, and Rob Howley, the Wales back coach.

Grand Slam-winning coach Gatland admits he has spoken to McGeechan about a role on next year's tour and is now waiting for an official approach.

Gatland plus Howley — another former Wasp — and Edwards, also the Wales defence coach, are expected to constitute the management team along with a forwards expert.

Gatland, who was replaced at Wasps by McGeechan when he returned to New Zealand, said; "I've had a talk with Ian, expressing an interest.

"The process after that is a formal approach from the Lions to the Welsh Rugby Union. I don't think they've done that yet.

"The first steps are under way in terms of the process but there's a few more before it's actually finalised. I'd love to have that opportunity."

"I have spoken to Ian and he said his involvement with the Lions while coaching Scotland was a real positive.

"It's a great opportunity to tour with one of the real icons of rugby in terms of the Lions."