Thursday 2 November 2017 22:36, UK
Warren Gatland has hinted he would consider leading the British and Irish Lions again, despite saying two weeks ago he "hated" the tour in New Zealand.
The Wales coach steered the Lions to victory in Australia in 2013 and a thrilling drawn series in New Zealand this summer.
But the 54-year-old Kiwi declared in October he "wouldn't subject himself" to taking charge of the trip to South Africa in 2021 because of the negativity, abuse and limited preparation time.
Asked on Thursday on Sky Sports News if he would reconsider that view, Gatland said: "At the time when I reflected, there was some gloss taken off the experience of the Lions and potentially there was a chance for someone else to take over the mantel in three or four years.
"But you reflect back on things and after 2019 when Wales have won the World Cup, if someone said to me 'would you consider your position?' then you might think about that."
Gatland's Lions recovered from losing the opening Test to topple the All Blacks a week later in Wellington, before the Eden Park decider ended 15-15.
It was the Lions' second-most successful New Zealand mission in history having only won once there in 100 years.
After the punishing six-week, 10-match tour, Gatland revealed he "hated the press and negativity" which included the New Zealand Herald newspaper featuring a cartoon of him as a red-nosed clown. His coaching team also came under fire from Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien.
"I went there so excited to lead the Lions," Gatland added. "Having played for the All Blacks and playing in my home country I thought this could be a celebration of rugby.
"There was that negative element, but I can say that made me personally more determined and stronger.
"It was a drain but it was my job to take that pressure on as a coach and protect the players and do my best to prepare them. It was negative but there were also so many positives like both sets of fans.
"It was incredibly tough and challenging because no one had taken a tour of that magnitude and difficulty in the history of the game.
"All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and I shook hands straight after the last Test and he asked me how I was feeling. He said it felt like kissing your sister!
"But after thinking about it you realise this was a fantastic achievement to go to New Zealand against back-to-back world champions in their own back yard. When we look back and the players we should be very proud."
