The Rugby Football Union has said that it would be happy for Lions coach Warren Gatland to approach members of the England coaching setup.

Gatland has confirmed that Andy Farrell is on his coaching shortlist, while he has previously worked with Graham Rowntree on the British and Irish Lions 2009 tour.

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie told BBC Sport: "I don't see it as a negative. I see it very much as a positive.

"Our view is that it is an honour to be asked to be involved with the Lions."

The 2013 Lions tour of Australia clashes with England's Argentina tour.