Leicester Tigers legend Graham Rowntree will join The British & Irish Lions coaching team for the 2017 Tour to New Zealand.
Rowntree, who made 398 first-team appearances for Tigers and won 54 England caps, will tour with the Lions for a fifth time, twice as a player in 1997 and 2005, and three times as a coach.
He will be joined by Neil Jenkins, who has also been added to the coaching team. Steve Borthwick, Andy Farrell and Rob Howley, complete the team headed by Warren Gatland.
Gatland said: "We all know what Neil and Graham bring – a huge amount of knowledge, experience and expertise at club, international and eight Lions Tours between them. They understand what it will take to win in New Zealand and to have them on board again is positive.
"I know Graham and Steve will complement each other and Neil will give us valuable backs and skills support. Given the schedule, with two games a week, having six coaches will allow us to devote enough time to ensuring we are successful.
"I believe we have a coaching team that will get the best out of what will be a highly talented and motivated group of players capable of winning the Test series.”
Rowntree, who is currently forwards coach at Harlequins, said: " This year will be the ultimate challenge considering the form that New Zealand have been in across the last decade, but looking at the talent and potential in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, it is a hugely exciting opportunity for us to do something incredible.”
Rowntree, who made 398 first-team appearances for Tigers and won 54 England caps, will tour with the Lions for a fifth time, twice as a player in 1997 and 2005, and three times as a coach.
He will be joined by Neil Jenkins, who has also been added to the coaching team. Steve Borthwick, Andy Farrell and Rob Howley, complete the team headed by Warren Gatland.
Gatland said: "We all know what Neil and Graham bring – a huge amount of knowledge, experience and expertise at club, international and eight Lions Tours between them. They understand what it will take to win in New Zealand and to have them on board again is positive.
"I know Graham and Steve will complement each other and Neil will give us valuable backs and skills support. Given the schedule, with two games a week, having six coaches will allow us to devote enough time to ensuring we are successful.
"I believe we have a coaching team that will get the best out of what will be a highly talented and motivated group of players capable of winning the Test series.”
Rowntree, who is currently forwards coach at Harlequins, said: " This year will be the ultimate challenge considering the form that New Zealand have been in across the last decade, but looking at the talent and potential in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, it is a hugely exciting opportunity for us to do something incredible.”
