New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew says British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland is an obvious candidate to replace Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach.

Hansen will step down from his role after the 2019 World Cup.

'I don't know why a question about Warren's inclusion even needs to be asked,' Tew told the Daily Mail. 'Whatever happens on Saturday, this Lions tour has been a success. I don't think losing on Saturday makes anyone a better or worse coach and I think Warren's record to now already makes him a candidate.

'Warren is an outstanding coach. He certainly wants to come back to New Zealand one day and he aspires to be the All Blacks coach. Clearly, he'll be considered.'

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