Edwards

Defence coach Shaun Edwards has joined Argentina’s coaching staff on a deal that runs until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The announcement ends any speculation that Edwards could be handed a role in Steve Borthwick’s England set-up, with the 59-year-old set to fulfil his consultancy role with England’s women’s team before joining Felipe Contepomi’s staff.

“I’m delighted to join Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff and the Argentina rugby team at the end of this month until the World Cup next year in Australia,” said Edwards.

“I’ve always admired the ability and quality of Argentine players and I hope to bring some of my international experience to the team during the next year,” added the former Wigan rugby league great.

Englishman Edwards, who is one of the most decorated coaches in rugby union, left his position as France men’s defence coach earlier this year after helping them win three Six Nations titles.

Edwards and former Argentina head coach and hooker Mario Ledesma, who has been appointed to take charge of the forwards, will start work with the Pumas at the end of October.

Argentina are then set to face Ireland, Italy and France in November in Nations Championship matches.

Three-time semi-finalists Argentina have been drawn in a pool with Fiji, Spain and Canada at the World Cup which takes place between 1 October and 13 November in 2027.

Edwards, who also spent a successful 12 years with Wales and won four English titles and two Champions Cups while on Wasps’ staff, said in March that he was interested in coaching in the Rugby Championship, the southern hemisphere tournament contested by South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.

He turned down a chance to coach his country in 2006, believing that the busier fixture list at Wasps would suit him better as he grieved the death of his brother.

Two years later, he opted to take on a defence role with Wales, rather than lead England’s second-string side, then known as the Saxons., external

In 2021, he met with Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney but, without a firm offer forthcoming, signed a contract extension to stay with France.

On the appointment of Edwards, England head coach John 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 set-up 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 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.”

Last week, Edwards expressed his desire to return to coaching and be a part of next year’s men’s Six Nations.

“I’m def­in­itely open to offers now, until I sort out a full-time role,” he told the Daily Mail., external

“I’m a proud Englishman and everybody loves to represent their country, don’t they? I’m no different.”

Match of the Day pundit Rob Edwards says Liverpool’s Alexander Isak is playing with greater “confidence” after scoring four goals this season – one more than he managed in the whole of last season.

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