Roger Lewis, the chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, has dashed Warren Gatland's hopes of becoming the next head coach of the British and Irish Lions.

Gatland, the current Wales coach, admitted he was "flattered" to be linked with the role this week, however Lewis has ruled the New Zealander out of the race to lead the tour of South Africa in the summer of 2009.

"When the story broke, I discussed it at length with Warren," Lewis said. "We both agreed that the interests of Welsh rugby are paramount and if the Lions deflected from that in any way, the option would not be on the table.

"It's not really on the radar. Warren could have some Lions role, but we'd probably prefer it's not head coach."

Gatland has revitalised Welsh rugby since he was appointed in December, masterminding Six Nations victories over England and Scotland in his first two matches in charge.

Lewis added: "Warren's just starting with Wales and there are so many things we need to do.

"We're just looking at our next game against Italy at the moment, but beyond the Six Nations there's this summer's tour to South Africa and the autumn internationals.

"The Lions are our partners, they're part of the heritage and history of Welsh rugby, and with Gerald Davies as their manager, we have great relations there.

"But if they came knocking for Warren, it would be our prerogative and right to block them."

The WRU have had bad experiences with the Lions in the past when another New Zealander Graham Henry, then in charge of Wales, led the Lions on the 2001 tour to Australia.

However, Mike Ruddock, another former Wales coach and 2005 Grand Slam winner, believes that should not necessarily rule out Gatland.

"I'm sure Warren could do a fantastic job with the Lions," said Ruddock, who was fulsome in his praise of the Kiwi's work with Wales. Henry's experiences with the 2001 Lions obviously did affect his relationship with the Wales players.

"But I think people will learn from that experience. It's a professional game, players should be able to put grudges aside and come back from a Lions tour ready to fight for their Wales place."

Ian McGeechan, Wasps director of rugby, remains the favourite to be Lions coach, while South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White has also expressed an interest.

Brian Ashton, the England head coach, has declared he will not be available for the Lions, while Eddie O'Sullivan's stock has fallen since Ireland's poor World Cup campaign. Wales assistant and Wasps coach Shaun Edwards has been tipped to have some role in the Lions set-up.

John Feehan, the Lions' chief executive, added: "We have a process for naming the head coach where we review things after the Six Nations and hope to appoint in April or May. We need someone with a sense of the tradition that goes with the Lions.

"We would prefer a British or Irish-based person, but we're keeping an open mind - we want the best person for the role."