Shaun Edwards, the former France defence coach, has publicly expressed his eagerness to return to the international coaching scene, specifically eyeing a role within a Six Nations team. Having been released from his duties with France, Edwards, celebrated as a top defence strategist, is not closing the door on future opportunities, including a potential position with England.
Edwards' coaching journey is marked by significant tenures, including a successful period at Wasps, where he coached from 2001 to 2011, and his long-standing role as Wales' defence coach from 2008 to 2019. He was also part of the British & Irish Lions coaching staff for their 2009 tour to South Africa. Despite his recent departure from the French team, he remains passionate about coaching and is particularly fond of the Six Nations tournament.
"I've been coaching for 25 years and I've only had three jobs in that time—Wasps, Wales, and France. The Six Nations is my tournament. It's what I judge myself on. I love the history of it. I love being involved in it. For me, it's the best, and it will come around quickly."
Edwards shared his desire to be involved in the upcoming 2027 Six Nations, signaling his readiness to dive back into coaching as soon as an opportunity arises. His tenure with France, spanning over half a decade, ended unexpectedly earlier this year, but his contributions helped France secure three Six Nations titles in the last five tournaments.
Although Edwards has never coached the England international team, his successful career as a rugby league player for England shows his deep connections to his home country. He remains open to the possibility of joining the current England coach, Steve Borthwick’s team.
"I'm a proud Englishman and everybody loves to represent their country, don't they? I'm no different," Edwards said.
Despite the abrupt end to his role with the French squad, Edwards harbors no resentment towards head coach Fabien Galthié or the French Rugby Federation. He looks back on his years with the team with fondness and believes he left a lasting impact on the team's performance in the Six Nations.
"There's nothing but good feelings and I've been compensated very well," Edwards reflected on his time with France. "It’s been six or seven very, very enjoyable years. I’m OK with how it ended because I’d done my job. France hadn’t won a trophy for 10 years before we all arrived. Since then, they’ve won three out of the last five Six Nations. I'm not saying I had a massive influence on everything, but I think I played my part. I think I’ve left them in a better place than when I arrived."
As the rugby world continues to evolve, the insights and experiences of seasoned coaches like Shaun Edwards remain invaluable. Whether or not he will take his expertise back into the Six Nations arena or possibly even to his home nation of England is a storyline many rugby enthusiasts are keen to follow.
