Shaun Edwards, the architect of France\u2019s formidable defence, has suggested he may be open to a future return to either England or Wales in a potential head coach role.<\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n Having previously held talks with England in 2022 before opting to stay on with France, the 58-year-old is now being linked with the role of replacing Steve Borthwick<\/a> after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n Edwards, who served as Wales\u2019 defence coach from 2008 to 2019, was quizzed about the prospect of returning to Wales in an interview with the\u00a0Daily Mail. <\/p>\n His response was nothing short of intriguing for fans across both England and Wales.<\/p>\n \u201cAny role interests me in the future, because I want to coach for as long as possible, particularly in international rugby,\u201d Edwards said.<\/p>\n He continued, \u201cI\u2019ve proved myself as a head coach, with a team (Wasps) that won the Heineken Cup, the Premiership, and the Anglo-Welsh Cup. I know that, with my experience and the knowledge I\u2019ve gained from working with people like Fabien Galthi\u00e9 and Gats, I\u2019d be more than capable.\u201d<\/p>\n Edwards exuded confidence when asked about stepping into a head coach role again, but he remained open-minded, adding, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t bother me. As long as I\u2019m in a job where I\u2019m motivated, have good players to work with, who are highly motivated themselves, I can do both \u2013 assistant coach or head coach.\u201d<\/p>\n In a previous interview he doubled down on his desire to coach England or Wales in the future. He wrote: \u201cI will always keep an open mind about coaching England, or maybe returning to Wales, but now my sole focus is on France. <\/p>\n \u201cMy French language skills aren\u2019t good enough to be a head coach, so for now I\u2019ll be continuing as defence coach.<\/p>\n \u201cAt some point in future I\u2019d like to make that step up to head coach at international level. I\u2019m 56 years old and I\u2019d like to coach into my 70s,\u201d<\/p>\n 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England get tough group<\/p>\n Each of the six pools\u00a0featured\u00a0a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.<\/p>\n The confirmed Bands based on rankings\u00a0were:<\/p>\n Band 1:\u00a0South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina 2027 Rugby World Cup draw:<\/p>\n Pool A<\/p>\n New Zealand\u00a0\u2013 Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ. Pool B<\/p>\n South Africa\u00a0\u2013 Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient\u2014never count them out. Pool C<\/p>\n Argentina\u00a0\u2013 Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit. CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
Band 2:\u00a0Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3:\u00a0Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4:\u00a0Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada<\/p>\n
Australia\u00a0\u2013 Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile\u00a0\u2013 Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China\u00a0\u2013 Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.<\/p>\n
Italy\u00a0\u2013 Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia\u00a0\u2013 Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania\u00a0\u2013 Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.<\/p>\n
Fiji\u00a0\u2013 Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain\u00a0\u2013 Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada\u00a0\u2013 Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.<\/p>\n