Shaun Edwards speaks on his future after the Rugby World Cup

Shaun Edwards speaks on his future after the Rugby World Cup

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has broken his silence on his future after the Rugby World Cup and has confirmed that he'll likely be in France.

The 52-year-old will leave his assistant coach role following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, ending a 12-year stint with Wales.

He also declined a renewed contract from the Welsh Rugby Union after winning the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam.

"I've gone into the last two World Cups knowing if we don't do well I will have no job afterwards," he said.

"So I prefer to be on edge. I used to sign one-year contracts at Wigan sometimes."


Edwards was unveiled last year as Wigan's new head coach from 2020 but that arrangement was announced as officially being off earlier this year. 

Having coached Wales to the World Cup semi-final in 2011, Edwards added:


"We have performed relatively well at World Cups so far.

"But I am a little bit sick of watching everybody else in the finals. That's how I work.

"There is only one defence coach in the northern hemisphere who has ever won the World Cup, and that's Phil Larder (with England in 2003).

"Phil was a great mentor to me - he led the way for people from rugby league to come into rugby union, him and Clive Griffiths - and I have got a lot to thank them for.

"So I have set myself a little target, trying to get into a final and just take it from there."

Edwards announced he will likely move to France on Monday, adding that there were "a few things to sort out there, so it's not definite."

The French Rugby Federation has so far made no announcement regarding any swoop for Edwards.

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