Warren Gatland's Lions coaching staff interests Steve Hansen

New Zealand boss Steve Hansen is eagerly awaiting confirmation of Warren Gatland's coaching staff for next year's British & Irish Lions tour.

Gatland was confirmed as head coach for the tour on Wednesday, but he is yet to name the men who will be assisting him.

"It wasn't the best kept secret was it?" Hansen said. "He was the obvious candidate, I said that months ago.

"He has been on Lions tours before, he understands what's required, you're bringing a group of different team members together, a little bit like a franchise, but on a bigger scale, different cultures, and that takes some work."

Gatland's fellow New Zealander Vern Cotter will leave the Scotland role after next year's Six Nations, while Ireland's Joe Schmidt, another New Zealander, has also been tipped to join the Lions staff.

"It'll be interesting to see who he brings with him, from a coaching point of view," Hansen said.

"That's the next thing we'll look for, with a bit of interest. And then it's about us preparing for what they're likely to bring."

"There's no doubt he's going to be able to pick a really good side. England are playing well, Scotland have played well, Ireland are playing well, and Wales are a good side.

"So he's going to have at his disposal some quality people. It should be a good series."