Warren Gatland to quit Wales after British and Irish Lions tour?

Lions head coach Warren Gatland smiles after their victory during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at ANZ Stadium on July 6, 2013
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Wales head coach Warren Gatland will stand down from his position after next summer's British and Irish Lions tour, a report claims.

Warren Gatland reportedly intends to stand down as Wales head coach after next summer's British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

The 53-year-old, currently on an extended sabbatical from Wales duty while he prepares for the three-Test series, is said to have eyed a return to his homeland.

Gatland departed New Zealand a decade ago to take over as Wales boss, guiding the Red Dragons to three Six Nations crowns and to the semi-final stage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

According to the Daily Mail, Gatland has alerted his close friends that he plans to remain in New Zealand after next year's tour, with one eye on replacing current All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen.

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young is thought to be the Welsh Rugby Union's top choice to replace Gatland should he indeed step aside from his role in the coming months.

Wales prop Gethin Jenkins in action during his 100th cap during the International Match between Wales and Argentina at the Millennium Stadium on November 16, 2013
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