British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has given his backing to his coach Warren Gatland to lead the 2017 tour to New Zealand.
Warburton skippers Wales under Gatland as well and was a key cog as the Lions claimed their first series victory in 16 years in Australia this summer.
And the flanker insists there is no better man to lead the Lions against the All Blacks in four years time.
“The proof is in the pudding and he got the series win," he said.
“When you look at his CV as a coach he has won English championships, Heineken Cups, Grand Slams and a Lions series.
“I mean, he has pretty much ticked all the boxes and had an absolutely fantastic career.
“When you look at his CV it is pretty incredible what he has achieved as a rugby coach and it very well deserved.
“He has been a big influence on my career and a massive help to me and I know all the other Welsh guys would say exactly the same.”
