Wales coach Warren Gatland is reportedly close to becoming head coach of the British and Irish Lions for their tour to Australia next year.
The WRU are said to have given their blessing to Gatland taking the job, even though that means that he would not be able to coach Wales through the 2013 Six Nations tournament.
The New Zealander led Wales to the 2008 Grand Slam and was praised for his team's performance during last year's Rugby World Cup.
The next Lions coach will be announced at the end of this year's Six Nations championship.
