Shaun Edwards fancies trip to New Zealand with British and Irish Lions

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards would love to go on another tour with the British and Irish Lions.

Edwards was part of the coaching staff for the 2009 tour to South Africa and, after missing out on the victorious trip to Australia in 2013, he is keen to be a part of the team heading to New Zealand in 2017.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is the firm favourite to take the coaching role for a second time, having been in charge in Australia three years ago.

"I would be interested in going on another Lions tour," said Edwards, who recently signed a new four-year deal with the Welsh Rugby Union.

"Every Lions tour is special, but when you are playing the world champions, it is doubly so."

The coaching team for New Zealand is not expected to be named until later in the year, leaving Edwards and Gatland to focus on trying to guide Wales to a Six Nations title first.

"The first thing we have got to do is try to get back to the level we finished at the World Cup, when we were within a few points of South Africa," Edwards added.

"If we can get back to that, then we are in with a chance. As you get more time together, you will aim to improve."