Edwards joins Argentina as defence coach

Shaun Edwards has been appointed as Argentina's new defence coach, agreeing to a contract that will keep him with the national team through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The move concludes recent debate linking the 59-year-old tactician with an opening in Steve Borthwick's England coaching hierarchy. Edwards will complete an ongoing advisory role with the England women's squad before officially linking up with the Pumas under head coach Felipe Contepomi later this month.

Edwards expressed his enthusiasm about joining the South American side, noting that he has long held great respect for the talent and caliber of Argentine competitors. The former Wigan rugby league standout said he aims to contribute his extensive background on the global stage to assist the squad as they build toward the upcoming World Cup campaign.

Recognised as one of rugby union's most accomplished defensive minds, Edwards stepped away from the French men's setup earlier this year, having guided France to three Six Nations crowns during his tenure. Prior to his time in Paris, he spent twelve years with Wales, where he was part of four Six Nations championship victories, alongside earlier club triumphs at Wasps featuring two European Champions Cups and four domestic league titles.

Argentina have also bolstered their backroom team by hiring former national hooker and ex-head coach Mario Ledesma to supervise the forwards. Both Ledesma and Edwards are scheduled to begin their assignments at the end of October, ahead of a demanding slate of Nations Championship fixtures in November against Italy, Ireland and France.

The Pumas, who have reached the World Cup semi-finals on three previous occasions, have been placed in a preliminary group alongside Fiji, Spain and Canada for the 2027 showpiece tournament, which runs from 1 October to 13 November in Australia.

Edwards previously stated in March that he harboured ambitions to test his skills in the southern hemisphere's Rugby Championship competition, which features Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

His journey has repeatedly bypassed England's senior men's team over the decades. He declined a coaching role with his native country in 2006 to remain in the more demanding environment of club rugby with Wasps while mourning his brother's passing. Two years later, he opted for the senior defensive post with Wales over managing England's secondary national team, the Saxons. More recently, in 2021, discussions with Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney ended without a concrete proposal, prompting Edwards to prolong his commitment to the French national team.