The Lions kingmakers last night indicated that Warren Gatland was in line to remain as head coach for the 2025 series against Australia – if he wants the job.

Gatland, who was also an assistant coach in 2009, has been head coach for three successive series: winning 2-1 in Australia in 2013, drawing with the All Blacks in 2017 and now losing 2-1 to South Africa.

Unlike the end to the 2017 series when Gatland said he was “done” with the Lions, on Saturday night, he left the door open to staying on for a potential fifth tour and fourth as head coach, which would match Ian McGeechan’s record tally.

But even in the wake of a series defeat, after Morne Steyn kicked the decisive penalty in the 78th minute of the third Test, Gatland’s standing remains undiminished in the eyes of the Lions committee.

When asked how it would consider Gatland throwing his hat into the ring for 2025, Lions chairman Jason Leonard said: “I don’t think he will have a problem with us. I think Ben [Calveley, the managing director] will agree with me on that. The highest accolade I can give someone like Gats is that he is up there with Sir Ian McGeechan.

“If you cut him in half, he bleeds Lions. He just gets what the Lions is. Twenty-four hours after the Test, we have not really gone down that route, but Warren has got to be in consideration. It’s great to hear he is up for it.”

Andy Farrell, the Ireland head coach, and Scotland counterpart Gregor Townsend, who would not be drawn about his intentions, would also be contenders.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]