One of Wales’ greatest ever coaches could be about to become a free agent
France defence coach Shaun Edwards
Shaun Edwards looks set to leave his role as France defence coach with immediate effect, according to reports.
French publication L’Equipe is reporting Edwards is set to be replaced by Gérald Bastide, who held the role from 2015 to 2017 under the reign of Guy Noves. The news is now also being reported more widely in France amid suggestions Edwards has been “pushed towards the exit”.
France have enjoyed huge success with Edwards as defence coach, winning three Six Nations titles including the Grand Slam in 2022 off the back of his outstanding record with Wales.
But according to L’Equipe, head coach Fabien Galthié wants to freshen up his backroom team with Edwards set for the chop despite being under contract until 2028.
The French team won the 2026 Six Nations title in March but conceded 50 points against Scotland and 46 against England.
Galthié and his assistant coaches met in Narbonne to discuss selection ahead of the upcoming friendly against England A and the Nations Cup fixtures against New Zealand, Australia and Japan in July but Edwards was absent.
This would be a huge shock given Edwards is widely regarded as one of the finest defence coaches in the history of rugby union.
After a hugely successful stint with Wasps, Edwards was quickly snapped up by Warren Gatland in 2008 where he helped Wales win four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, and reach two Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
He was also part of Sir Ian McGeechan backroom team on the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa which the tourists lost 2-1.
If Edwards does leave France he will undoubtedly be in demand given his illustrious reputation.
But he is unlikely to join Wales, as Steve Tandy has already appointed Peter Murchie as his defence coach.
A move to join Steve Borthwick’s coaching team with England is not impossible but Richard Wigglesworth is currently the defence coach, so there is currently no vacancy to coach his homeland either.
