Luke Fitzgerald has a very interesting reason for why Joe Schmidt turned down 2017 Lions role

Luke Fitzgerald believes Joe Schmidt declined Lions role to keep tactical secrets safe

Independent.ie Newsdesk

Former British and Irish Lion Luke Fitzgerald believes Joe Schmidt, Eddie Jones and Gregor Townsend declined offers to be on the Warren Gatland's backroom team to keep their tactical ideas hidden.

England forwards coach Steve Borthwick, Ireland defence specialist Andy Farrell and current Wales interim head coach Rob Howley will join Lions chief Gatland on the 10-match trip to New Zealand next summer.

Townsend was hotly tipped to take a place on the backroom team but he declined along with Schmidt and Jones.

Asked if the trio opted out because they didn't want to share ideas with Gatland, Fitzgerald, whose rugby show The Left Wing is on Independent.ie every Monday, told Game One on 2FM: "It's 100pc that and I'd say some of those people probably have some ambition to do that (Lions) job in the future.

"I know from working with Joe that he's very creative and if I was him, I'd be looking to hold on to my ideas rather than give them away.

"Hopefully, he'll be in a position to do the job the next time around, if that's what he wants.

"I wouldn't be giving away my ideas to a guy that I'm probably going to be facing ever year for the next three years.

"It probably makes sense really."

Despite the absence of the likes of Schmidt, Fitzgerald believes Gatland has got the best coaching team at his disposal.

"I think there is a degree if familiarity with Rob Howley there, and you do want to put your own stamp on it. Rob will understand what that is from working with him for so long," he added.

"I'm surprised that they were not able to get Gregor Townsend. I think he has been a bit of a leader coaching-wise for the last 4-5 years. He's done a superb job with Glasgow.

"Warren did say that. He wanted a flavour from all four nations. I think it's a strong coaching team. I think Andy Farrell is a superb addition.

"I think the blend is right and it's the best he could get.

"I think someone like Joe Schmidt would have been superb because I think he is the best out there."