Warren Gatland has been confrimed as the head coach for next year's British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Gatland was the outstanding candidate for the post after leading Wales to the semi-finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and last season's Grand Slam triumph.
"I am really honoured to have been asked to take the position of head coach," he said.
"Playing in the southern hemisphere is one of rugby's hardest challenges. The Lions came close in South Africa (in 2009) and our ambition is to win the series in 2013 - and I believe we have the players to do that."
"There is no question it will be one hell of a challenge."
He is expected to confirm his full coaching team in October and it is likely to contain Graham Rowntree and Shaun Edwards.
All three were part of the 2009 Lions management in South Africa and received the backing of head coach Ian McGeechan to carry the torch to Australia.
"I really enjoyed the experience as one of the assistant coaches in 2009 and since then have harboured the ambition to lead the tour to Australia next year," said the 2013 coach.
"Over the coming months I will give careful consideration to the make-up of my coaching staff and of course the playing squad itself."
Gatland will become the second New Zealander to lead the Lions on tour to Australia, after Graham Henry's failed attempt to beat the Wallabies in 2001.
The British and irish Lions have not won a tour since beating South Africa in 1997.
