The former Wales defence guru looks set to be axed by France after reports emerged this weekend
France defence coach Shaun Edwards (Image: Getty Images)
Shaun Edwards has already spoken about his dream next move in rugby after reports emerged that his successful spell with France could be coming to an abrupt end.
One of Wales’ greatest-ever coaches is reportedly set to leave his role as France defence coach despite being under contract until 2028. French publication L’Equipe claims head coach Fabien Galthié is planning changes to his backroom staff, with Edwards allegedly being pushed towards the exit after six years with Les Bleus.
The news has come as a major surprise given the success France have enjoyed under Edwards, winning three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam, while cementing their status as one of the world’s leading sides.
Should he become available, the 59-year-old would instantly become one of the most sought-after coaches in world rugby, with former England fly-half Andy Goode already urging the RFU to act quickly.
And the former Wales defence coach has already revealed where he would like his coaching journey to take him next. Win free tickets to watch Fiji v Wales in Cardiff this summer.
Speaking during this year’s Six Nations campaign after helping France retain their title, Edwards admitted he would love the opportunity to work in the southern hemisphere and target one of the few major honours still missing from his remarkable CV.
“I have an ambition to win a Rugby Championship, to be honest,” Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I would love to be involved with the All Blacks or Springboks or Argentina maybe.
“Most of the World Cup winners have come from the southern hemisphere, and I would love to be able to pit myself against the top teams like that.”
The comments are particularly intriguing given the uncertainty now surrounding his future.
Edwards has enjoyed extraordinary success throughout his coaching career. After making his name at Wasps, he joined Warren Gatland’s Wales set-up in 2008 and helped guide the national side to four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, while also reaching two Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
He later moved to France, where his defensive systems played a key role in ending the country’s long wait for Six Nations success.
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The Wigan-born coach added a seventh Six Nations title to his collection earlier this year as France retained their crown, further enhancing a reputation that has seen him widely regarded as the finest defence coach in rugby union.
While many England supporters have long called for Edwards to return home and join the national team’s coaching staff, he revealed earlier this year that no such approach has ever materialised.
“One thing I have learned over the years is you have to be asked if you are going to go to a club or a union,” he said.
“They have to telephone you and ask you.
“After the next World Cup, we will see what happens.”
A return to Wales appears unlikely, with Steve Tandy having already assembled his coaching team and appointed Peter Murchie as defence coach. England also have Richard Wigglesworth in a similar role under Steve Borthwick.
That leaves the possibility of a move abroad once again, and if Edwards gets his wish, his next challenge could come with one of rugby’s southern hemisphere giants as he looks to add a Rugby Championship title to an already glittering coaching career.