FORMER England internationals Andy Farrell and Steve Borthwick look set to be among the assistant coaches announced on Wednesday for next summer's British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.
Current Wales interim head coach Rob Howley is also thought to be among Lions head coach Warren Gatland's choices, while Wales' record international points-scorer Neil Jenkins is leading contender for the role of kicking specialist.
Gatland, though, might yet spring a surprise in terms of his attack coach options, having previously indicated that he could travel with two people heading up the Lions' attacking strategy.
Gregor Townsend had been firmly in the frame, but he takes over from Vern Cotter as Scotland head coach at the end of this season and will lead their summer tour of Australia.
Rumours have been rife in the last few days that Gatland could bolster his staff with another big-hitter.
Former England and Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan is possibly on the radar, while Saracens' trophy double-winning rugby director Mark McCall also has many admirers.
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