Shaun Edwards has revealed his ambition to coach in the southern hemisphere and win the Rugby Championship after his current stint with France national rugby union team.
The defence coach has enjoyed major success with France, helping them secure back-to-back Six Nations Championship titles, including a dramatic 48-46 win over England national rugby union team. His current contract runs until after the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Edwards eyes new challenge
Edwards said he is open to new opportunities once his time with France ends, with a particular interest in coaching one of the southern hemisphere giants.
He named teams such as the New Zealand national rugby union team, South Africa national rugby union team, and Argentina national rugby union team as potential destinations.
The 59-year-old believes competing in the Rugby Championship would allow him to test himself against some of the strongest teams in world rugby, many of whom have dominated World Cup success.
Successful coaching career
Before joining France in 2019, Edwards built an impressive coaching record. He was part of Wasps RFC during a trophy-laden period and later worked under Warren Gatland with the Wales national rugby union team, winning four Six Nations titles.
With France, he also guided the team to a Grand Slam in 2022, further cementing his reputation as one of the best defence coaches in the game.
Modern rugby shifting towards attack
Despite his defensive expertise, Edwards acknowledged that modern rugby has become increasingly attack-focused. Rule changes and improved playing conditions have made it harder for teams to dominate defensively.
He noted that while conceding under 20 points was once considered a strong defensive performance, teams now often accept conceding more due to the attacking quality of opposition sides.
As Edwards looks ahead, his next move could see him take on a new challenge in the southern hemisphere, aiming to add another major achievement to an already decorated coaching career.
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