British & Irish Lions 2017 Coaching Team

Warren Gatland has named Steve Borthwick, Andy Farrell and Rob Howley as his assistants for the Lions tour of New Zealand.

Farrell and Howley redeem the roles they filled on the successful 2013 tour of Australia under Gatland, while forwards coach Borthwick joining the staff after helping England rack up 14 straight Test wins.

Gatland said: "I am excited about this coaching team. I said from the outset it was important to have continuity because we need to hit the ground running, given the limited preparation time.

"In Rob and Andy we have guys who understand the Lions concept, have worked together and know how to coach a winning Lions team. 

"It's also important to have some new input. Steve has done a great job in shaping the England pack and played a major role in their recent run of success, so I'm looking forward to working with him.

"We may look to bring in a specialist coach but, fundamentally, this is the core coaching team we believe can help a talented group of players win a Test series in New Zealand."

All three assistants will dedicate themselves to the Lions once next year's Six Nations tournament ends, with a squad announement due on April 19.

The Lions are scheduled to play 10 matches between June 3 and July 8, when they take on the world champions in the final game of a three-Test series.