Shaun Edwards has joined the Red Roses coaching staff on a short-term consultancy deal as the 59-year-old makes a long-awaited return to English rugby.
One of the world’s most highly-regarded defence coaches, Edwards departed France earlier this year having helped Fabien Galthie’s side to another men’s Six Nations title – his seventh as a coach with Wales and France.
Edwards previously spent a decade with Wasps between 2001 and 2011 but the former rugby league international has never coached his country, despite repeatedly expressing an interest over the years.
He has now agreed to join John Mitchell’s staff for the remainder of their WXV Global Series itinerary, and will travel with the world champions on their three-Test tour of North American next month.
Edwards has met up with the squad this week as the Red Roses look to bounce back from having their 39-match winning run ended by a draw with Canada on Saturday.
“Shaun and I have competed against each other in the international coaching arena for a very long time and I am very respectful of what he has delivered. I’m looking forward to learning and working with him,” Mitchell said as England prepare for a meeting with New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
“Since his time with France ended, we have had a conversation about our game, and he expressed an interest in working in an international women’s setup for the first time. He has a huge amount of respect for the Red Roses and what we stand for; he sees it as a privilege to join our environment.
“His coaching credentials are exceptional and his experience at the highest level of the game speaks for itself. Defensively, Sarah Hunter is relishing the opportunity to learn from him, alongside the rest of our coaching group, as we head into another exciting Test match against New Zealand. Shaun will add to the programme and provide incredible value to the girls over the remainder of the WXV Global Series.”
Edwards is one of the most decorated individuals in either code of rugby, winning nine Challenge Cups with Wigan during his playing days and four Premiership titles while with Wasps.
He turned down the chance to coach England’s men in 2006 and took up his role with Wales two years later having considered an offer to take charge off England’s second-string Saxons.
The Red Roses have previously used experienced consultant coaches for short-term stints, with Brian Ashton another to have worked with the team.
After their meeting with the Black Ferns, England face two more Tests against Canada before concluding their international year against the United States in New Jersey on 30 October.
