After six weeks and 10 matches including 3 tests against the Australians the victorius Lions squad landed back on British soil today. As for our Welsh players, they were greated by a school choir at their national base at the Vale of Glamorgan.
It's been the trip of a lifetime...thanks for all the support on twitter....it's been immense... Now for holidays, graduation and Paris
Finally back!! Great 8 weeks! Thanks for all of the support! #serieswinner #seaofred http://t.co/RMVd3q0Qkx
Well what an adventure on the last leg home now be nice to get home #cantwaitforapropercuppatea
Star Man. @leighhalfpenny1 named British & Irish Lions HSBC Player of the Series. #LionsTour http://t.co/ygukJBs41G
Warren Gatland would not rule the possibility that he might coach the British and Irish Lions again, when they tour New Zealand in four years time.
The Kiwi is contracted to Wales until after the 2015 World Cup.
After 10 months away with the Lions, he will now return to Wales duty ready for four autumn internationals at the Millennium Stadium in November.
"There's a lot of water to go under the bridge before 2017. You get opportunities in life if you're part of successful environments and teams," Gatland said. "Winning a couple of Grand Slams with Wales and reaching the semi-final of the World Cup has given me this opportunity."
"I'm grateful for the chance and if it came up again then it's something I might look at."
Gatland came under heavy criticism for his selection decisions ahead of the decisive third Test against Australia, when he selected 10 Welsh players and left out veteran Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll.
After the Lions stormed to a 41-16 win, he said: "I haven't taken a lot of pleasure out of this in terms of feeling vindicated. I haven't enjoyed the last 72 hours, it's been tough personally."
Player of the Series is @leighhalfpenny1 who collects his Award on stage ! #LionsTour #AUSvLIO
Congratulations to all the players involved in the tour and the unsung heroes the backroom staff #AUSvLIO #Lionstour
What a result!!boys on fire.
The full-time whistle goes to seal a 41-16 victory for the Lions in the decisive third Test.
It is the first time the Lions have won a series since 1997.
Welsh centre Jamie Roberts - facing Australia for the first time this summer due to injury - has scored the Lions' fourth try, taking a pass from replacement Conor Murray before galloping home.
Halfpenny makes it another seven points, and the Lions start to celebrate a series win.
