The former Wales coach could soon be out of a job
Shaun Edwards is set to leave France(Image: Getty)
Shaun Edwards has been accused of lacking “focus, concentration and commitment” as he gets set to leave his role as defence coach of France.
The former Wales defence coach is on the verge of getting booted out of Fabien Galthié’s backroom team just 15 months before the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
This has sent shockwaves through the rugby world after a successful period which includes three Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam in 2022.
But according to L’Equipe there had been doubts within the France camp about Edwards for quite some time due to the Englishman allegedly losing “influence” and “clout”.
It had apparently been a regular topic of conversation within French clubs since 2024.
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“The last Six Nations Championship was simply a revelation or confirmation that Edwards was no longer fulfilling his role. It couldn’t continue like that until the 2027 World Cup,” a well-placed source told L’Equipe under anonymity.
Despite being under contract until 2027 Edwards was not present when the coaching staff met in Narbonne and Montpellier last month.
It was during this meeting Galthié allegedly announced Edwards would no longer be a part of France’s coaching team.
L’Equipe report discussions between the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and Edwards’ representatives to reach an amicable agreement are currently taking place.
It is unclear what Edwards’ next move would be, with the rugby league legend having previously voiced his desire to coach one of the big Southern Hemisphere nations.
But he has never coached England and there are plenty of people across the Severn Bridge who would want to see the 59-year-old coach the land of his birth.
A return to Wales is extremely unlikely with Steve Tandy having recently appointed Peter Murchie as full-time defence coach.
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