Shaun Edwards set to make immediate return to coaching

There was a huge clamour from England fans to bring Edwards home following Saturday’s defeat to South Africa, with pressure continuing to mount on Steve Borthwick after a fifth successive loss.

Edwards has established himself as one of the finest coaches in world rugby, building a remarkable reputation through his defensive expertise and winning mentality.

AAcross spells with Wales and France, the former rugby league great has won seven Six Nations titles as a coach.

RUCK understands that Edwards is not planning to take an extended break from the game and is keen to return to coaching as quickly as possible, making him one of the hottest properties on the market should his departure from France be confirmed.

Given his track record of success, there is unlikely to be any shortage of interest — and the noise from England supporters has already made one potential destination impossible to ignore.

With that in mind, here are five destinations that could appeal to Edwards as he weighs up the next chapter of his coaching career.

Edwards appears open to a fresh challenge, and a move to the Southern Hemisphere would certainly provide that.

As one of the best coaches in his field, there is arguably no better fit than joining the two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks.

With next year's World Cup approaching, Edwards is likely to have ambitions of lifting the trophy, and South Africa currently looks like the team best placed to make that happen.

Working alongside Rassie Erasmus could also help him continue developing as a coach, while his arrival would strengthen an already impressive coaching team.

While this may seem an unlikely destination given Edwards' global reputation, the move makes sense from a geographical perspective.

Alex Sanderson is facing increasing pressure as director of rugby, and with Edwards coming from nearby Wigan, a return to the north-west could be appealing, particularly as the reasons behind his departure from France remain unclear.

The role would allow him to remain in rugby union while moving closer to home. Sale also possess the financial resources to compete at the top end of the Prem. If Edwards is looking for a leading role, the Sharks could offer him significant control over the club's direction.

Having spent more than a decade as Wales' defence coach and enjoyed considerable success, Edwards may view a return as an opportunity to complete unfinished business, potentially joining Steve Tandy's coaching team in a senior role.

This Wales side is very different from the one he helped shape, and the challenge of rebuilding the national team could prove attractive.

Edwards has already cemented his legacy through four Six Nations titles, but guiding Wales back to their former heights would elevate his status even further.

Although Newcastle is not particularly close to Wigan, it would give Edwards the chance to return to the north of England.

The financial backing available through the Red Bulls project would also be a major attraction if that factors into his decision.

Like Sale, it could provide him with the opportunity to take charge of an ambitious club and leave a lasting legacy through sustained success.

Recruitment resources would not be a concern, and he could look to replicate the achievements he enjoyed at Wasps by building another long-term powerhouse.

The most heavily discussed option is England. The RFU have already missed out on Edwards once, and failing to secure him a second time would raise serious questions.

Steve Borthwick remains under pressure, and the appointment of Edwards could provide a significant boost for both the squad and supporters ahead of next year's World Cup.

England possess an abundance of talent that many feel is not being fully maximised. Edwards could be the figure capable of unlocking that potential at a crucial stage in the team's development.

While he may ultimately want a head coaching position, Borthwick appears likely to remain in place for now, making a senior coaching role the most realistic pathway.

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