Warren Gatland says he has a gentleman's agreement with Welsh Rugby Union boss Roger Lewis to be released if asked to coach the British and Irish Lions in his native New Zealand in 2017.
Gatland signed a new extended six-year contract as Wales coach on Monday, committing his long-term future to the WRU.
The 50-year-old is already Wales' longest-serving coach, but this new deal will extend his tenure to 12 years, taking in both the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.
Former Ireland and Wasps coach Gatland says there is no clause written into his new contract that allows a sabbatical to coach the Lions.
But the series-winning 2013 Lions coach says WRU chief executive Roger Lewis has pledged to do "everything he can" to help Gatland lead the best of British in 2017.
Gatland handed the Wales reins to Robert Howley for the 2012 season, as he prepared for the Lions' 2013 tour to Australia.
And it looks likely the former Waikato hooker could do the same in 2016.
"The contract this time is exactly the same as what I had last time, and I've spoken to Roger Lewis," he said.
"If I had the opportunity to be involved again, that's going to be because of Wales being successful in the next couple of years."
Gatland's new deal is a rare positive development for Welsh rugby amid unrest from the four regional sides still agitating to create a breakaway Anglo-Welsh league, and the continued exodus of top stars.
WRU chief executive Lewis said Gatland deserved credit for installing a "meticulous and professional coaching structure".
"By signing him for a further four years we have ensured that the systems now in place will continue to develop for the future of the international game in Wales."
