Warren Gatland participated for the first time with lions as an assistant coach in a 2009 tour in South Africa, before he took responsibility as a main coach in the 2013, 2017 and 2021 rounds.
The former Wales coach won the 2013 series in Australia, directed an epic series in New Zealand after four years, and suffered a 2-1 loss in South Africa.
Dawson: “Maybe he had no profession to play for black; however, we cannot reduce his role as an assistant coach in 2009.
“His inputs and near the players in this new professional era were much more important than people believe.
“It was an integral part of bringing the spirit of what the lions returned to where it originated from 2001 and 2005.
“The era of professionals needs something different with black.”
Roberts: “The longevity is tremendous – he trained in four rounds and was a major coach in the third.
“One won, one drawing, one lost. This distinguishes it.”
