Former Wales head coach Warren Gatland has opened the door to a sensational return to the British & Irish Lions ahead of their 2029 tour of New Zealand.

The 63-year-old has already led the Lions on three tours, winning in Australia in 2013, drawing with New Zealand in 2017 and losing narrowly to South Africa in 2021.

However, Gatland has now admitted he would love another chance to take charge.

Speaking to BoyleSports, he said: "I'd like to coach the Lions again but Andy Farrell won a series and I can see him doing it again."

Farrell led the Lions to victory in Australia in 2025 and remains a strong contender for the next tour.

Gatland, who left his Wales role in 2025, also questioned the direction of modern Lions tours.

"I have this romantic view of the Lions - that it's a celebration of the game and the history," he said.

"We've seen in recent tours a lot of off-field stuff and behaviour that hasn't been the best."

A return would see Gatland lead the Lions in his native New Zealand for a second time.

But with Farrell already boasting a series victory, the competition could be fierce.

Warren Gatland's all-time British & Irish Lions XV

Gatland previously selected his greatest Lions XV from players he coached across four tours between 2009 and 2021.

His selection featured nine Welshmen, three Irishmen and three Englishmen, with Brian O'Driscoll controversially left on the bench.

Starting XV

1. Mako Vunipola (England)
2. Jamie George (England)
3. Adam Jones (Wales)
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (England)
7. Sam Warburton (Wales) – Captain
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Wales)
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
11. George North (Wales)
12. Jamie Roberts (Wales)
13. Jonathan Davies (Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

Replacements

1. Tom Youngs (England)
2. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
4. Maro Itoje (England)
5. Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
6. Conor Murray (Ireland)
7. Owen Farrell (England)
8. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

Gatland named the side in 2023, judging players on their performances in a Lions shirt rather than their wider international careers.

His decision to leave out O'Driscoll echoed the controversial call he made ahead of the deciding Test against Australia in 2013.

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