Gatland believes the solution to avoid any future conflict of interest would be to establish a Lions board made up of independent directors.
“I am not saying that there were not good people on the board who wanted the best for rugby and that the Lions should be successful, but there is no doubt in my mind that some people were slightly in conflict,” he added. “In my opinion, if you are in the management of the Lions, then your role and responsibility is to do 100 percent the best work for the Lions.
“The reason why I say this is that I was prepared not to be the Lions coach, if it was the best decision for the Lions and rugby. I was not selfish and said I wanted the tour to continue last year so I could go to South Africa.
“It was not about me, it was all about what was best for the Lions, the tour and financially for the game. There were really a lot of things at stake here. I am probably not doing myself any favors with regard to 2025 with these remarks, but I have always tried to be honest with my opinions. ”
‘I’m probably going to look for a role overseas – I could end up in the UK’
And what about his future? “I have been contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union for the next 12 months and I have enjoyed my role as director of rugby at the Chiefs,” added Gatland, whose 12-year stint at Wales included four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams.
“After that I will probably look for another role overseas. I loved my time as a young coach in Ireland [with Connacht and then as head coach of the national side] and my time with Wasps and of course Wales. It was pretty challenging, but the people made it special for me in Wales. I could end up in the UK again.
“There is a lot more pressure in international rugby because you are under the spotlight, but the downside is that every game is like a cup final. In club rugby you have a little more leeway to try different combinations as you can lose some matches and still reach the top four. You look at the pros and cons of both and hopefully see where you can make a difference. ”
And would he be interested in taking control of the Lions for a fourth time? Calveley and former chairman Jason Leonard have both indicated they will have their support if he wants to continue as head coach in Australia in 2025.
“I have never planned ahead,” he added. “That decision will probably only be made in the Six Nations series after the World Cup and it depends on how it goes. I’m sure Andy Farrell will have a good chance. We would have liked to have taken him last year, but the IRFU was not keen on him going to South Africa, which was disappointing, and Gregor Townsend has experience with Scotland. There may be other people as well.
“I strongly believe that those opportunities come for the right reasons, if you do a good job somewhere and are successful. [The Lions] think maybe it’s time for a change and that is also completely understandable. ”