Wales coach Warren Gatland hopes to join up with his side for the second Test against the Wallabies in Melbourne next month.

Gatland is continuing his recovery in New Zealand after suffering two broken heels when he fell from a ladder at his holiday home last month.

Rob Howley will be the caretaker for the trip to Australia, which features three Test matches against the hosts and a midweek game against the Canberra-based Brumbies.

Gatland has also been a long-time favourite to coach the British and Irish Lions in Australia next year, which remains the case, although no announcement has yet been made.

While Gatland is certain to miss Wales’ first Test in Brisbane on June 9, he is aiming to link up with the squad in time for the second Test seven days later.

He has been in regular contact with Howley and Wales’ coaching team since his accident.

“I can assure you I am going to be right in a few weeks and be up and running around,” Gatland told BBC Wales.

“At this stage, I’ll probably struggle to make Brisbane for the first Test. If I can be in Melbourne and Sydney for the second and third Tests, that will be great.

“As much as anything, just to go and have a little bit of an input, really, to support the coaches and players as much as anything.

“I’ve spoken to the Lions, obviously. I think they are just waiting to have assurances that the injury is going to heal, that it’s not going to be a hindrance in 12 months.”

Wales play the Barbarians in Cardiff this weekend, when flanker Martyn Williams is expected to win his 100th cap.

An advance party of players, headed by assistant coach and defence specialist Shaun Edwards, are due to leave for Australia on Thursday, with the remaining group departing next Sunday.