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Warren Gatland tempted by 2021 Lions tour

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 08:  British & Irish Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland speaks during a British and Irish Lions press conference at London Syon Park Hot
Image: Warren Gatland has coached on two Lions tours

Warren Gatland has admitted he would "never say never" to leading the British and Irish Lions again for the tour of South Africa in 2021.

The 53-year-old guided the Lions to only their second series in New Zealand without defeat, after the three-Test battle ended 1-1 following Saturday's 15-15 draw in Auckland.

Gatland is on New Zealand's shortlist of candidates to replace head coach Steve Hansen after the 2019 World Cup when his contract as Wales boss is set to expire.

The former Ireland and Wasps coach spearheaded the Lions' 2013 series win in Australia and admitted he is tempted to go on another tour in four years time.

When asked if he would consider taking the role in 2021, Gatland said: "There's a lot of water to pass under the bridge before that.

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Highlights of New Zealand against the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park in the third Test

"Eddie (England coach Eddie Jones) has put his name forward hasn't he?

"My focus is on Wales, for the autumn internationals and then looking towards the 2019 World Cup. I'm definitely finishing up there, unless they decide to get rid of me sooner!

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"So after that I might just go to the beach and put my feet up for a while.

"But you never say never. If there's a chat and opportunity to think about 2021, to do maybe the three as a head coach, to win two and draw one wouldn't be a bad achievement."

The Wales coach had revealed there were times when he "hated" being on the tour of New Zealand after a string of personal attacks including a newspaper mocking up him as a clown on their front-page.

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