Warren Gatland to coach New Zealand's Chiefs before 2021 British and Irish Lions tour

Warren Gatland's post-World Cup coaching commitments have been confirmed, with the Chiefs confirming he will join them on a four-year deal, and take a 12-month break to coach the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

Waikato native Warren Gatland will return to Hamilton on New Zealand’s North Island to take over from Colin Cooper as Chiefs head coach when his 11-tenure with Wales ends after the World Cup.

He will be in charge for the 2020, 2022 and 2023 Super Rugby seasons, but will take a break in 2021 to prepare to coach the Lions in South Africa.

That will be Gatland's third consecutive tour in charge of the Lions, having won in Australia in 2013 and drawn in New Zealand four years later.

Gatland was born in Hamilton, and went to school and university there, before playing 140 games for Waikato.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to come back home,” said Gatland.

“The opportunity to come back as head coach of the Chiefs is something that I am really looking forward to.

"The Chiefs are well known for the success they’ve had both on and off the field and the really loyal support they have from everyone within the Chiefs region.”

New Zealand Rugby head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum described Gatland’s appointment as “a coup for the Chiefs”.