Chiefs CEO Michael Collins has explained the process of new coach Warren Gatland's ongoing involvement with the British and Irish Lions
Gatland starts takes over as head coach of the Waikato Super Rugby franchise from next year.
With Gatland signing on with the Chiefs through until the end of 2023, he will take a break from Super Rugby in 2021, instead leading the Lions on their tour of South Africa.
Speaking to 1 NEWS this afternoon, Collins detailed how Gatland will balance his Super Rugby and Lions duties come 2021.
"Contractually, Warren has 12 months' sabbatical built into his contract to coach the B&I Lions, which we're really comfortable with," Collins said.
Collins added that Gatland's Lions duties were taken into account when being given the Chiefs' job.
"When we were speaking to Warren, he was contracted to the Lions," Collins continued.
"We knew that he had some commitments that he had to honour in 2021. But from the Chiefs' rugby club perspective, we're absolutely rapt to have the Lions head coach as the head coach for our team. That's a no brainer.
"New Zealand Rugby have been good. They play a part in the contracting process, and they've been accommodating. They know what Warren Gatland means to the Chiefs rugby club. So they've been good to deal with in that respect.
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