Warren Gatland expects Ian McGeechan to do a good job

Warren Gatland says he has not been offered a coaching role for the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa.

The Grand Slam-winning Wales coach had been linked with a position within his Wasps successor, Ian McGeechan's coaching staff.

But Gatland said: "There's been a huge amount of speculation, but I can say categorically I have had no approach.

"No-one's spoken to me about the Lions. Before that could happen they'd have to speak to the WRU, which they haven't."

Gatland added: "At the moment I can say it's been a huge amount of speculation and there's actually been no contact with me about the possibility of being involved."

The Wales coach hailed McGeechan's appointment and coach believes his experience with the Lions will help deliver success in South Africa.

He said: "Ian took over at Wasps after I left. Obviously he's continued to do a good job there.

"Given his experience and past coaching trips with the Lions and I'm sure he'll do a great job."