Shaun Edwards, the former Wales defence mastermind, has left the door open for a potential return to the British and Irish Lions setup or a move to England after his current contract with France expires.
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However, the 57-year-old has ruled himself out of this summer’s tour to Australia.
“I was asked before the Six Nations whether I wanted to go on this year’s Lions tour,” Edwards told The Rugby Paper. “It was like being asked: ‘Do you want to win the World Cup?’
“We, as sportsmen and women, all dwell on our losses. I’m no different. In 2009, the Lions went toe-to-toe with the best team in the world in South Africa and came so close to winning the series.
“In a pure coaching sense, it was a big achievement. But the overall outcome is something you’d definitely want to put right.”
Unfinished business with the Lions?
Edwards’ desire to settle that score with the Lions will have to wait. His immediate focus is on guiding France through a daunting summer tour of New Zealand, where they’ll be without several key players.
“The French team has always been my priority, to the exclusion of all else,” Edwards added. “One of my strengths is that I try to live in the here and now and focus on what’s ahead.
“What’s coming up is a unique challenge in New Zealand, and a very difficult one because a lot of players won’t be available. All those involved in the Top 14 final will be missing.
“Nobody will expect us to win any matches, but that will only make us more determined. That’s what we did in Argentina last year. The first Test there was one of my best wins because it was achieved by players from our second and third teams.”
Eyes on the future?
While Edwards remains laser-focused on his French duties, his comments suggest he isn’t closing the door on a Lions return down the line. For now, though, the All Blacks await.
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15 England Stars Make Our Lions Squad for Australia Tour
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour just around the corner, speculation is ramping up about who will get the nod for the three-Test series against Australia.
Andy Farrell will announce his squad live from the O2 Arena in London on May 8th, 2025, and we’ve taken a stab at selecting the best possible 36-man squad for the tour.
OUR 2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD
Here’s a breakdown of who makes the cut, with 15 England stars included in our strongest lineup.
Props
Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Ellis Genge (England) – The ‘Baby Rhino’ brings his trademark aggression and scrummaging power.
Pierre Schoemann (Scotland)
Kyle Sinckler (England) – A veteran of the 2021 tour, Sinckler’s experience will be vital.
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Will Stuart (England) – The powerful tighthead earns his spot after a consistent season.
Hookers
Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – The standout Irish hooker is almost a certainty.
Dewi Lake (Wales)
Jamie George (England) – Lions experience and leadership make him a vital inclusion.
Locks
Maro Itoje (England) – One of the first names on the team sheet.
Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – The young enforcer could be a game-changer.
Ollie Chessum (England) – A rising star, providing dynamism and lineout excellence.
Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
George Martin (England) – Physicality and work rate give him the edge.
Back Row
Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – World-class breakdown presence.
Ben Curry (England) – Edges into contention with his relentless tackling and breakdown work.
Tom Curry (England) – A Lions veteran whose pedigree speaks for itself.
Caelan Doris (Ireland) – A guaranteed starter.
Ben Earl (England) – One of the most explosive players in the Premiership this season.
Jack Willis (England) – His form for Toulouse has been outstanding.
