Defence guru Shaun Edwards could ditch France for Six Nations rivals

Sunday, 16 March 2025 at 09:13

byRugby Rucker

French rugby legend Mathieu Bastareaud believes Shaun Edwards is the ideal successor to Warren Gatland as Wales' next head coach.

The renowned defence specialist, who has now secured six Six Nations titles as a coach, is widely considered one of the best in the game.

Gatland's gone – now what?

Gatland stepped away from his role with the Welsh Rugby Union earlier in the Six Nation after a nightmare run of results, including heavy defeats to France and Italy in this year’s Six Nations. The loss in Rome was the final straw, prompting Gatland to call it quits, with WRU CEO Abi Tierney swiftly appointing Cardiff Rugby boss Matt Sherratt as interim coach.

While names like Franco Smith and Simon Easterby have been floated for the permanent position, Bastareaud thinks there’s a better option—current France defence coach Edwards.

"Edwards checks all the boxes"

Writing in his Six Nations column, Bastareaud made no secret of his admiration for Edwards' coaching credentials.

"It's true that Shaun Edwards is often synonymous with defence, but above all, he is someone who has real expertise in rugby, and a deep understanding of the game," he said.

"All the players I have been around and who knew him, whether at club or national level, only say good things about him. He is a strong character, with solid principles and convictions. And when you take on a team, I think it is essential to immediately impose high standards. Edwards clearly checks all the boxes."

No-nonsense Edwards vs. Backroom schemers

Bastareaud also praised Edwards for his honesty, contrasting him with candidates who lobby behind closed doors.

"I like people who are not afraid to say loud and clear: 'I am interested in this position, I think I have the qualities for it'. I'd rather deal with someone like Edwards, who’s up front about their ambition, rather than those who scheme behind the scenes," he added.

"Wales should have acted sooner"

The former France star admitted he was saddened by the current state of Welsh rugby, reflecting on a time when facing Wales was a daunting prospect.

"In my opinion, the real question is: shouldn't it have been done before?" he questioned. "If you want to attack the Championship with a new coaching staff, you might as well do it from the start, with new energy and a group that starts with a positive dynamic."

2025 Six Nations worst XV features THREE England stars

No debate needed. England gave it a go, Scotland pushed France to the limit, but Les Bleus were simply untouchable, flexing every muscle in their rugby arsenal to claim the title.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise no French players make this worst XV. The other five nations? No such luck.

2025 Six Nations worst XV

Forwards:

1. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)

Usually a rock in the scrum, but this year? Struggled to live up to his own high standards and got bullied up front.

2. Evan Lloyd (Wales)

Thrown into the deep end and barely kept his head above water. Lineouts were a mess, and he never played more than 40 minutes. Wales won’t be calling him back anytime soon.

3. WillGriff John (Wales)

Simply not up to it. Ellis Genge folded him like a deckchair, and he was dragged at halftime against England.

4. Will Rowlands (Wales)

A season to forget for the Racing 92 lock. Like most of Wales’ tight five, he was completely outmuscled.

5. George Martin (England)

Wasn’t at his best before injury ended his campaign early. No long-term concerns, but England will hope for better from him on tour.

6. Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)

A warrior, but Father Time caught up fast. A tournament too far for the Irish icon.

7. Michele Lamaro (Italy)

Held himself to elite standards and fell short. Benched for the final game, then yellow-carded moments after coming on for a bizarre piece of ill-discipline.

8. Lorenzo Cannone (Italy)

Had flashes of his usual carrying power but got physically dominated by world-class opposition.

Backs:

9. Tomos Williams (Wales)

Was tipped as a Lions contender coming in, but his stock has plummeted. A victim of Wales’ 10-game Six Nations losing streak.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland)

Moments of brilliance? Yes. But when Scotland needed him most, he disappeared. A last-minute missed conversion against England and a horror show vs. France summed it up.

11. Simone Gesi (Italy)

Limited minutes, zero impact. Anonymous against France, struggled to make anything happen.

12. Henry Slade (England)

Dropped for the 2023 World Cup, reinstated last year, and now? Probably done with England after the team improved without him.

13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland)

A red card against Wales, followed by a forgettable return against Italy. Way off his usual class.

14. Josh Adams (Wales)

A try machine in his prime, but this year? Confidence shot to pieces. Left gasping in key moments.

15. Freddie Steward (England)

Didn’t even make it past Round 1. Stepped by Jamison Gibson-Park in the opening weekend, never seen again.

Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?

From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.

Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.

Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!

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