Shaun Edwards' post-France coaching destination is confirmed

Shaun Edwards’ first coaching role since his shock exit as France’s defence coach has been revealed.

The 59-year-old has joined up with John Mitchell’s Red Roses set-up on a short-term deal ahead of the world champions’ WXV Global Series fixture with the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium this weekend. He will remain with England until the conclusion of WXV Global Series.

Edwards left his role with Fabien Galthie’s team in the summer after nearly six years in the role. During his time in the role, France enjoyed Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam success in 2022 and back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026.

Upon his departure from France, RugbyPass‘ Neil Fissler reported that the corridors of power at Allianz Stadium could want to tempt Edwards to coaching an England side. Now the hugely successful coach is in the building.

Steve Borthwick’s men’s side finished fifth at this year’s Men’s Six Nations and lost their opening Nations Championship fixture 45-21 against South Africa, before winning games against Fiji and Argentina.

During a 12-year stay with Wales, Edwards helped the nation to four Men’s Six Nations titles. In 2009 Edwards was defence coach for the British & Irish Lions in their 2009 tour of South Africa.

He also enjoyed domestic and European success with Wasps.  During his playing career, Edwards won 37 major titles with Wigan Warriors during his 17-year playing career that included stints with Bradford Bulls and London Broncos.

Edwards will be bringing four decades of professional rugby experience to the Red Roses and will work alongside England defence coach Sarah Hunter.

John Mitchell, Red Roses head coach, said: “Shaun and I have competed against each other in the international coaching arena for a very long time and I am very respectful of what he has delivered. I’m looking forward to learning and working with him.

“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 setup 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.

“Shaun will add to the programme and provide incredible value to the girls over the remainder of the WXV Global Series.”

Last time out in WXV Global Series, the Red Roses drew 26-26 with Canada in a repeat of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 final. The result ended the team’s 39-game winning streak.

This weekend they will conclude their home run of Test matches against the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium. The squad will then travel to North America to play two more fixtures against Canada and once against the USA Women’s Eagles in New York.