Steve Borthwick had the chance to bring one of rugby's most successful coaches into his England set-up. But it seems he was happy with what he already had.
Shaun Edwards has revealed he held talks about joining England's men's coaching team before agreeing to take charge of Argentina's defence.
The 60-year-old has won seven Six Nations titles with Wales and France.
Yet despite England losing four of their five matches in this year's Six Nations, Borthwick has decided to stick with his existing staff.
And Edwards has now revealed what he was told.
The strange part? He's already working with England's women.
Shaun Edwards reveals England talks
Speaking to Rugby World, Edwards confirmed he had spoken to the England men's boss around six weeks earlier.
He was told England were happy with their coaching staff and how things were going.
Edwards accepted the decision but made no secret of his desire to coach his home country.
"I make no secret that I'd like to represent England," he said.
He also admitted he would love to win the Six Nations with England, having already enjoyed huge success elsewhere.
For someone with his record, it's quite remarkable that he has never coached England's men.
Why Borthwick may have made the right decision
I can understand why Borthwick might have decided against bringing Edwards into his coaching team.
England have already had more than enough disruption behind the scenes.
Felix Jones departed in 2024, with Joe El-Abd arriving to help fill the gap.
Richard Wigglesworth has since taken responsibility for the defence, while Lee Blackett oversees the attack.
El-Abd has also confirmed he will leave for Clermont after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
That's a lot of movement for a side trying to build towards rugby's biggest tournament.
Perhaps Borthwick simply wants some stability.
With less than a year until the World Cup, another major change might do more harm than good.
But here's where I struggle with that argument.
Edwards isn't just another coach looking for work.
He's arguably the best defensive coach of his generation.
When someone with seven Six Nations titles becomes available, surely you find a way to make it work?
England already know how good he is
What makes the decision even more interesting is that Edwards is already part of the England set-up.
He joined John Mitchell's Red Roses as a short-term coaching consultant in September.
His appointment was widely welcomed, with players and coaches praising the experience he brought to the group.
Mitchell described his coaching credentials as exceptional.
So the RFU clearly recognises his ability.
Yet while England's women found room for him, Borthwick's men's team decided they were happy with their existing coaches.
Of course, the two situations are different.
Edwards joined the Red Roses on a short-term basis, rather than replacing an established member of the coaching team.
But it's still an interesting contrast.
And one that might look rather strange if England struggle defensively this November.
Argentina didn't make the same decision
Argentina moved quickly to secure Edwards on a contract running through the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
He will join Felipe Contepomi's coaching team as the Pumas prepare for next year's tournament.
Edwards revealed that Argentina were the first side to offer him a contract.
And he clearly wasn't prepared to wait around forever.
The Pumas have reached three World Cup semi-finals and will now have one of rugby's most decorated coaches helping their preparations.
Meanwhile, England will continue with their current coaching team.
It's a decision Borthwick will have to stand by.
Borthwick faces a huge November
There's nothing wrong with a head coach showing faith in his staff.
In fact, that loyalty could prove valuable heading into a World Cup.
But performances must justify it.
Australia arrive at Twickenham on 8 November, followed by Japan and New Zealand.
After England's dreadful Six Nations campaign, supporters will expect a serious improvement.
And if the defence struggles again, questions about Edwards will inevitably return.
Borthwick might have made the sensible decision for his coaching team.
Whether he made the right decision for England is another matter.
If England struggle against Australia and New Zealand next month, Borthwick could find himself answering one rather awkward question.
Why did he let Shaun Edwards walk away?
