In perhaps the most poorly kept secret in rugby history, Warren Gatland has officially been unveiled as the Head Coach of the 2017 British and Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand. Everyone had predicted it. Gatland had also been spotted in Edinburgh and was also snapped posing for photographs in the Lions polo shirt. So there was to be no shocking surprise and Gats is the man.

Now Warren Gatland is of course an outstanding candidate for the role. In 2009 he toured South Africa as part of the coaching staff under the leadership of Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan. Although that Test series ended in defeat, it did manage to reignite the brand. Four years previously the disastrous New Zealand tour had brought into question the team’s place in the modern game. Victory under Gatland against Australia in 2013, the team’s first victory in a Test series since 1997, made the challenge credible and not just a futile financial undertaking.

However the challenge of defeating the All Blacks is an intimidating one. The Lions have only ever won a test against New Zealand once way back in 1971. They are consistently the best team in world rugby, reigning back-to-back world champions and with a phenomenal won/lost record. On top of that the Lions have a daunting series of matches against New Zealand’s five super rugby teams, plus the Maori’s and a provincial XV.

Warren Gatland’s recent record as Head Coach of Wales is a concern. Whilst other teams have developed Wales have stagnated, failing to win the Six Nations since 2013. This past summer Gatland was left embarrassed as his hometown team the Waikato Chiefs beat his Wales squad. It will be fascinating to find out who will be selected to join the coaching lineup.

There can be no doubt however that even in the early stages of the rugby season the Lions looms large on the horizon. I’m just hoping that at the end of a long season we still have enough players left to take on the All Blacks.