Speculation linking Warren Gatland to the British & Irish Lions' coaching job has increased after he led Wales to the Six Nations grand slam. The Kiwi says he would be "honoured" to be involved but doesn't want to neglect his day job.

The Lions tour South Africa next year and the management of one of rugby's most famous teams have already indicated they are keen to spread the net wide in their search for the right head coach, including foreigners.

Gatland's credentials have increased with his instant success at Wales and he certainly doesn't lack a northern flavour after a previous stint as Ireland coach and a successful spell at glamour English club Wasps.

He appears open to suggestions that he could be involved at the next level. But Wales comes first in his mind and believes there's a lesson to be learnt from Graham Henry's inglorious time as the first foreigner in charge of the 2001 Lions while he was at the helm of the Welsh.

"If there's a chance to get involved at some level that would be a huge honour but I have to make sure I don't neglect Wales," Gatland told BBC.

"I'm not going to get ahead of myself - in the past other coaches have been involved with the Lions and haven't made their own job with their own nation the number one priority.

"The Lions take up a lot of time and there's a lot of politics involved in picking the right team."

Gatland was quick to promote the credentials of his Welsh assistant, Shaun Edwards.

"I'd love Shaun to be involved and he would relish that responsibility," said Gatland.

"He's a very proud Englishman who's working for Wales at the moment and we're delighted to have him."

Edwards, who worked with Gatland at Wasps, appears keen on a Lions role and says one of his motivating factors for linking up with Gatland again was to taste international rugby and get into the Lions' frame.

Edwards reckons Gatland would also get involved with the Lions if the situation was right for him.

"I think Warren would definitely go if asked and I'm sure he'd do a very good job," Edwards told the BBC.

"I'd like to put my hat in the ring - but not as a head coach."

Edwards was also happy to talk up further speculation linking Lions legend Ian McGeechan to a coaching role. McGeechan has taken over as boss of Wasps and has a relationship with Gatland and Edwards. The canny Scotsman would also add to the mix of nationalities which is always important to the make-up of the Lions.

"It's not for me to tell the panel who to select, but I know the personalities involved and I know that the three guys (himself, Gatland and McGeechan) get on very, very well," said Edwards.

"It would be a unified coaching staff and that's very important."

The Lions last toured in 2005 under the guidance of England's Sir Clive Woodward. They were whitewwashed in the test series in New Zealand.

They are desperate for success against the world champion Springboks in South Africa next year.

Gatland gets an early chance to test himself against the Boks when his champion Wales outfit tour South Africa for two tests this June.