women
international women
Shaun Edwards’ first coaching role since his shock exit as France defense coach has been revealed.
The 59-year-old has joined John Mitchell’s Red Roses set-up on a short-term deal ahead of the WXV Global Series Champions’ clash with the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium this weekend. He will stay with England until the conclusion of the WXV Global Series.
Edwards left his role in Fabien Galthie’s team in the summer after almost six years in the role. During his time in the role, France enjoyed a Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam success in 2022 and back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026.
After leaving France, RugbyPass‘ Neil Fissler has reported that the corridors of power at the Allianz Stadium may want to tempt Edwards to coach the England team. He is now an extremely successful trainer in the building.
Steve Borthwick’s men’s side finished fifth at this year’s Men’s Six Nations and missed out on top spot Nations Championship game 45-21 against South Africa, before winning games against Fiji and Argentina.
During a 12-year spell with Wales, Edwards helped the nation win four men’s Six Nations titles. In 2009, Edwards was the defense coach for the British and Irish Lions on their 2009 tour of South Africa.
He enjoyed both domestic and European success with Osama. During his playing career, Edwards won 37 major titles with Wigan Warriors during his 17-year playing career which included spells at Bradford Bulls and London Broncos.
Edwards will bring four decades of professional rugby experience to the Red Roses and will work alongside England defense coach Sarah Hunter.
John Mitchell, head coach of the Red Roses, said: “Shaun and I have competed against each other in the international coaching arena for a very long time and I have great respect for what he has provided. I look forward to learning and working with him.”
“Since he finished his stay in France, we have talked about our game and for the first time he has expressed an interest in working in the international women’s set-up. He has enormous 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, along with the rest of our coaching group, as we head into another exciting test match against New Zealand.
“Shaun will add to the program and provide incredible value to the girls throughout the remainder of the WXV Global Series.”
Last time in the WXV Global Series, the Red Roses tied 26-26 Canada in the replay of the Woman Rugby World Cup Final 2025 The result ended the team’s 39-game winning streak.
They will finish their home Test matches against the Black Ferns at the Allianz Stadium this weekend. The team will then travel to North America to play two more matches against Canada and one against USA Women’s Eagles in New York.
