Warren Gatland is in pole position to coach the British and Irish Lions on the 2013 tour to Australia with the Welsh Rugby Union giving its approval.
BBC Sport Wales understands that Welsh rugby's chiefs are happy for Gatland to succeed Sir Ian McGeechan having been his assistant on the2009 tour.
Gatland's Wales deal has a five-month break clause but it's thought the WRU will allow a six-month sabbatical.
That would rule Gatland out of coaching Wales in the 2013 Six Nations.
It's likely that one of Gatland's back-room assistants - Rob Howley, Robin McBryde, Shaun Edwards and Neil Jenkins - or a combination of them would take over the Wales reins temporarily.
