Warren Gatland names Steve Borthwick, Rob Howley and Andy Farrell in Lions backroom team

Steve Borthwick, Rob Howley and Andy Farrell have been named assistants to head coach Warren Gatland for the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

Borthwick became England's forwards coach in December 2015 in what was one of Eddie Jones' first appointments for the national side. He is the only newcomer to the Lions' backroom team.

Interim Wales boss Howley reprises the role of attack coach he was handed for the successful 2013 tour. Farrell also returns to the Lions set-up, having impressed as Ireland's defensive coach, a role he was given by Joe Schmit in January this year.

Gatland said: "I am excited about this coaching team. I said from the outset it was important to have continuity because we need to hit the ground running, given the limited preparation time. In Rob and Andy, we have guys who understand the Lions concept, have worked together and know how to coach a winning Lions team.

"It's also important to have some new input. Steve has done a great job in shaping the England pack and played a major role in their recent run of success, so I am looking forward to working with him."

The Lions begin their 10 match tour on 3 June, taking on the world champions in the final match of their three-Test series in Auckland on 8 July.