Warren Gatland named British and Irish Lions head coach for 2017 tour to New Zealand

Warren Gatland has been named as head coach for the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand knowing a brutal itinerary has just been made even harder.

Gatland has filled the post for a second time after masterminding the 2-1 series victory over Australia three years ago with his appointment confirmed at a press conference in Edinburgh today.

The 52-year-old Kiwi has the sabbatical required by the Lions written into his Wales contract and, accompanied by tour manager John Spencer, will depart for New Zealand on Thursday to begin plotting the world champions' downfall.

The arduous 10-fixture schedule culminating in a three-Test series has grown even more challenging with the news that All Blacks will be selected by their Super Rugby teams for the early tour matches.

It means the Blues, Highlanders and Crusaders will be at, or close to, full strength with the trio of fixtures taking place over seven days from June 7 to June 13.

In recent history, internationals have been rested to keep them fresh to face the Lions in the Test series, but selector Grant Fox insists New Zealand will adopt a different approach for 2017.