France defence coach Shawn Edwards has responded to reports that he could be part of Warren Gatland’s coaching staff when the British & Irish Lions tour South Africa in 2021.
He was an assistant to Ian McGeechan on the 2009 2-1 series defeat to South Africa.
However, the 53-year-old, considered among the game’s foremost defence coaches, says that his deal means that he is very unlikely to be available for the tour.
Shaun Edwards on:
— The Rugby Paper (@TheRugbyPaper) June 19, 2020
🇫🇷 Giving credit to Gael Fickou for his transformation
in defence
🇫🇷 Ibanez and Servat
🇫🇷 And whether France can win on home soil in 2023https://t.co/XuJ7ZNAIQW
“I have put myself out of that by coming to France, I think,” revealed Edwards to The Rugby Paper.
“They have put a lot of faith in me, and I have to return that faith.”
Edwards was set to join rugby league’s Wigan Warriors next year, but opted out of the move as he felt he wouldn’t be able to prepare for the role adequately while still under contract with the Welsh Rugby Union.
It was thought that Edwards would stay on with Wales, but talks ultimately broken down, and he subsequently joined France.
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LIST | England’s five WORST jerseys of all-time
Feast your gaze on these horrible England eyesores from down the years…
1. Sevens – 2013
Getting a bit more adventurous with this kaleidoscopic cornea burner from the England Sevens team. Thes multi-coloured front seems reminiscent of a dance-floor in a cheesy 70’s disco club. Extraordinary.
