Shaun Edwards Takes Up Red Roses Consultancy Role for WXV Campaign

Defence specialist Shaun Edwards has joined the Red Roses coaching staff as a consultant through the end of the WXV Global Series.

The former Wales and France men’s coach is working in women’s rugby for the first time, with Red Roses head coach John Mitchell praising Edwards’ record at the top level of the sport as “exceptional”.

The 59-year-old has already begun work with the squad as they prepare to face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, before travelling with the team for fixtures in Canada and the United States next month.

Edwards, who played rugby league for Wigan Warriors and Great Britain, left his role with France in June after more than six years, following Fabien Galthié’s decision to restructure Les Bleus’ backroom team.

Mitchell said: “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 [England’s defence coach] 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 began his rugby union coaching career at Premiership club Wasps, joining as defence and backs coach in 2001. He became head coach in 2005 and won both the Heineken Cup and the Premiership during his time at the club.

He later joined Wales as defence coach in 2011, winning four Six Nations titles under Warren Gatland, including three Grand Slams.

Edwards moved to France as defence coach in 2020 and helped the team secure three Six Nations titles. He will not be eligible to win a trophy with the Red Roses because WXV is a match series rather than a tournament with silverware, but he can play a key role as England look to restore their winning momentum after their 39-match unbeaten run ended in a 26-26 draw with Canada last Saturday.

England will face the Black Ferns, the side that last beat the Red Roses in the 2022 World Cup final, in front of more than 50,000 spectators this weekend.

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