Clive Woodward has been earmarked to manage the Lions tour of New Zealand in 2005, according to reports today.
The World Cup winning England coach has been encouraged to throw his name in the hat by Bill Beaumont, chairman of the Lions committee.
The former England captain told today's Daily Telegraph: "We're hoping Clive will put his hat in the ring and make himself available.
"He's an outstanding candidate in all regards - I'll be seeing Clive and sounding out the Rugby Football Union."
Of greater interest to rugby supporters here is the fact that Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan is also likely to be considered for the job.
Beaumont went on to stress the role would interfere in no way with the individuals' commitments to their current employers.
"We don't want the guy appointed to take time out of his day job," said Beaumont. "We're talking a seven-week challenge here rather than a four-year World Cup one."