Northern | US

Shaun Edwards confirms Welsh exit and return to Rugby League


Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards
Comments
Comment

The WRU have cleared up when Shaun Edwards will leave his role as Welsh defence coach.

Edwards, who joined the WRU in 2008, has been part of one of Wales’ most successful coaching teams over the last decade securing two Grand Slams and a Six Nations title in that time.

ADVERTISEMENT

He will continue in his role with the national squad through to the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup in Japan after which he will return to rugby league.

Edwards will return to his native sport as head coach of Wigan Warriors in 2020.

Continue reading below…

Video Spacer

WRU Chairman Gareth Davies said: “We would like to congratulate Shaun on his appointment at Wigan Warriors.

“He is a rugby league legend and particularly so at Wigan and we know he will be welcomed back there with open arms.

“Shaun has and continues to be a great servant to Welsh Rugby. He has been part of a hugely successful coaching team over the past ten years and we would like to thank him for all of his efforts.

“From a Wales perspective entering a crucial Rugby World Cup year it is great that Shaun has committed to seeing out his contract with the WRU and to continue to help lead Wales into the RWC.

ADVERTISEMENT

“He will take up the role at Wigan post Japan 2019 and I am sure I speak on behalf of the whole game in Wales when I say I wish him all the best for his future.”

Stream Nations Championship 2026 LIVE

Hemispheres collide in the new Nations Championship. Stream live, replays and highlights free on RugbyPass TV.

Watch on RPTV
Starts 4th July 2026 - USA only.
ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video
LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

P
Phantom 33 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



...

14 Go to comments
Close Panel
Close Panel

Edition & Time Zone

{{current.name}}
Set time zone automatically
{{selectedTimezoneTitle}} (auto)
Choose a different time zone
Close Panel

Editions

Close Panel

Change Time Zone

Copied to clipboard

Share Article close