Stuart Hogg backs Warren Gatland for Lions job

Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg has welcomed reports that Warren Gatland will coach the Lions in South Africa in two years' time.

 

 

Stuart Hogg believes Warren Gatland has earned a third stint as head coach of the British and Irish Lions.

Outgoing Wales head coach Gatland is reported to have agreed a deal to take charge of the Lions for the 2021 tour of South Africa.

Gatland masterminded a 2-1 victory in Australia in 2013 and a 1-1 draw with New Zealand two years ago.

Scotland full-back Hogg, who suffered a facial injury on the tour of New Zealand after also missing out on a first Lions Test in Australia, would welcome the reappointment of the wily 55-year-old.

"You only have to see the job that he and the rest of the coaching staff have done on the last two tours, he's been absolutely tremendous." Hogg told Omnisport.

"The record he's got as a Lions head coach is superb. Not many teams have gone to New Zealand and done a job on them.

"He's been brilliant for the Lions, he knows what is right for everybody and I'm sure he'll get the lads going in the right direction."

Hogg will leave Glasgow Warriors to join Exeter Chiefs at the end of the Pro14 season and the 26-year-old is determined to feature in a first Lions Test in two years' time.

"From a personal point of view, obviously I was disappointed to miss out in the last tour with injury, but I'll certainly be trying to get on the next one," Hogg added.

"For me it will case of making sure I'm doing a job for Exeter first and foremost and then for Scotland if given the opportunities, but there is a hell of a lot of rugby to come before then."