( CNN ) -- New Zealander Warren Gatland was appointed head coach of the British and Irish Lions Tuesday ahead of the rugby team 's tour of Australia next year . The Wales coach , whose confirmation in the role was delayed after breaking both his heels in an accident in April , will start his role with immediate effect -- but has arranged to lead out the Welsh for two final matches against New Zealand and Australia in late 2012 . The 2013 tour will mark the 125th anniversary of the Lions , who are a selection of the best players from the England , Ireland , Scotland and Wales . The tours only take place once every four years , with the destinations rotating between Australia , New Zealand and South Africa . The 48-year-old , who has spent over two decades working in British rugby , is only the second man from outside the United Kingdom to be appointed to lead the Lions -- following in the footsteps of compatriot Graham Henry , who led the team in 2001 . `` I am really honored to have been asked to take the position of head coach for the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia , '' Gatland told gathered reporters . `` A Lions tour is unique . It is the ultimate career pinnacle for coaches and players . I want to ensure that we get the tour environment right so that we are hugely competitive and that our fans are proud of their team . '' Gatland worked as an assistant coach when the Lions last traveled , which ended with a 2-1 series defeat to South Africa in 2009 . There will once again be three decisive games against Australia , taking place in Brisbane , Melbourne and Sydney , but the tour will incorporate a total of ten matches in all -- taking in games against regional and clubs sides to warm up for the international tests . Australia , who have won the World Cup on two occasions ( in 1991 and 1999 ) , are currently ranked No.2 in the world behind the New Zealand `` All Blacks '' , who won last year 's World Cup on home soil . The Lions have lost their last three tours to Australia and New Zealand and were last successful there back in 1989 . `` There is no question it will be one hell of a challenge , '' Gatland added . `` Playing in the southern hemisphere is one of rugby 's hardest challenges . '' After winning two Six Nations titles with Wales , as well as steering English club side Wasps to European glory , Gatland 's potential role as Lions coach was thrown into doubt when breaking his heels after falling while cleaning windows at his beach house in New Zealand . He needed reconstructive surgery to repair his right leg , but Lions tour manager Andy Irvine is convinced he will be up to the arduous task . `` It has been no secret that after the initial selection process Warren was our preferred candidate , '' Irvine said . `` However , his unfortunate accident earlier this year in New Zealand during the selection process did delay the appointment . We naturally had to ensure he would be fit to take up the post . Those concerns have now been addressed . '' Gatland 's assistant Rob Howley will begin his role as Wales caretaker coach for November 's Tests against Argentina and Samoa , ahead of next year 's Six Nations campaign .
Warren Gatland will coach Australia 2013 for Gatland tour . New Zealander is only second man from outside Irish Isles to lead New Zealander . Appointment was delayed after Gatland broke both heels in accident in earlier this year . Rob Howley set to take charge of Wales as caretaker coach .