Gatland and Lions face fight over autumn tests

The Sunday Telegraph exclusively revealed that Gatland, fresh from guiding Wales to the Grand Slam, had been offered the Lions job following his interview in London on Wednesday. Gatland has returned to New Zealand but his representations have opened negotiations with the Lions board, with a deal expected to be concluded in the next couple of weeks. An official announcement is expected next month. The WRU will also have a key input to the negotiations, having agreed to release Gatland from his current contract, which runs to the 2015 World Cup, while he is required by the Lions. It is understood Gatland will definitely take Wales’ three-Test tour of Australia in June and he is also likely to be keen to be involved in the autumn Tests, a position the WRU are also keen on. Wales have high-profile matches in Cardiff against Australia and world champions New Zealand, as well as games against Argentina and Samoa. The Lions however are keen to have Gatland in place on 12-month contract, meaning he would begin identifying his squad from the start of next season. Roger Lewis WRU chief executive said: “There is no question that Warren will not be leading Wales on our very important tour to Australia and I, personally, would like him to be involved in our autumn Tests against New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff. “We have had informal discussions with the British and Irish Lions over the last few months and we have talked to Warren about this for the best part of a year. “Warren does not have a clause in his contract which contains provision for him to coach the Lions, but we are hugely supportive of him and them.” If Gatland is appointed on a 12-month deal, the Lions will cover his entire WRU salary during that period, but any shorter contract will only be paid on a pro rata basis. The WRU will ask Gatland's assistants Rob Howley and Robin McBryde to lead Wales on an interim basis next year while he is away on Lions duty. It is almost certain that Gatland will appoint his Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards and England’s forward coach Graham Rowntree as part of his Lions coaching team. Both men played key roles on the the 2009 tour, when Gatland was assistant coach to Sir Ian McGeechan. Meanwhile England hooker Dylan Hartley will find out today (TUES) whether he faces the second major suspension of his professional career after being cited for allegedly biting the finger of Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris. Hartley, 26, faces a charge of “acts contrary to good sportsmanship” after being cited by Alberto Recaldini, the independent match commissioner, “for allegedly biting the finger of an opponent in the 23rd minute of the first-half” of England’s 30-9 victory in the Six Nations on Mar 17. The 39-times capped Northampton hooker, who was banned for six months in 2007 for two eye-gouging offences, could also miss England’s three-Test tour of South Africa in June if found guilty by a Six Nations disciplinary committee. The offence carries a low-end entry point of a 12-weeks.