Edwards to vacate Wales role after World Cup

Shaun Edwards will vacate his role as Wales defence coach after the Rugby World Cup.

Edwards last month confirmed he would not return to Wigan Warriors, having initially agreed to take over as head coach of the Super League champions next season.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland urged Edwards to make a decision on his future to avoid speculation that could be a distraction ahead of the World Cup.

The 52-year-old has now revealed that he will not stay on for a new era under Wayne Pivac.

Edwards said: “After more than 10 years with Wales this has been an incredibly difficult decision to reach but I won’t be renewing my contract.

“I would like to thank Warren and the WRU [Welsh Rugby Union] for the opportunity I have had working with the national team.

“We have won four Six Nations titles during my time with Wales, but I sincerely hope and believe that the best days are yet to come and I am fully focused on seeing what we can achieve in Japan.”

Gatland said: “Shaun has been an important part of the Wales set up over the past 11 years for what has been a hugely rewarding time for Welsh rugby.

“It is pleasing that we can draw a line under the speculation regarding Shaun’s future with this announcement and we can look forward to preparing the squad for the RWC and the tournament itself in Japan later this year.”

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta