Shaun Edwards Joins England Women’s Rugby as Consultant for WXV Series

Former France defence coach Shaun Edwards has been hired by the England women’s national team, the Red Roses, as a short-term consultant. The consultancy runs until the conclusion of the 2026 WXV Global Series, with Edwards slated to assist the squad ahead of their test against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium and through the remaining fixtures, including the final match against the United States in New Jersey on October 30 (scheduled).

ESPNShaun Edwards England future confirmed as coach reveals next role The GuardianShaun Edwards breaks silence on possible England coaching role and when he expects to make his return

Edwards, 59, built his reputation in rugby league with Wigan Warriors and Great Britain before transitioning to union coaching. His union résumé includes:

The Guardian

• Defence and backs coach at Wasps (2001–2005), later head coach, winning the Heineken Cup and Premiership.

The Guardian

• Wales defence coach (2011–2019), contributing to four Six Nations titles, three of them Grand Slams.

The Guardian

• France defence coach (2020–2023), part of three Six Nations victories, including a Grand Slam in 2022.

Shaun Edwards breaks silence on possible England coaching role and when he expects to make his return

He left the French role in June 2023 after a restructuring by head coach Fabien Galthié and was subsequently dismissed earlier this year. This marks Edwards’s first involvement with an international women’s programme.

Shaun Edwards breaks silence on possible England coaching role and when he expects to make his return

• Age: 59 years.

ESPN

• Six Nations titles as a coach: 7 (four with Wales, three with France).

Shaun Edwards breaks silence on possible England coaching role and when he expects to make his return

• Tenure with France: six years (2020–2023).

Shaun Edwards breaks silence on possible England coaching role and when he expects to make his return

• Upcoming Red Roses fixtures in the series: New Zealand (Allianz Stadium) and United States (New Jersey, Oct 30).

ESPN

England head coach John Mitchell said the appointment reflects the Red Roses’ desire to “add incredible value” to the squad’s defensive work. He highlighted Edwards’s “exceptional” credentials and noted that defence coach Sarah Hunter is eager to learn from him. The Rugby Football Union announced the consultancy, emphasizing that Edwards will remain until the series’ end.

The Guardian

Edwards himself has expressed openness to future international roles, indicating a desire to return to a Six Nations coaching position ahead of the 2027 tournament.

Shaun Edwards breaks silence on possible England coaching role and when he expects to make his return

Bringing a coach with extensive men’s international experience to the women’s set-up signals England’s commitment to strengthening defensive structures ahead of high-stakes matches. The consultancy coincides with a critical phase of the WXV series, where performance against top-ranked opponents such as New Zealand could influence world rankings and future tournament seedings.

Shaun Edwards England future confirmed as coach reveals next role

• “Since his time with France ended, we have had a conversation about our game and he expressed an interest in working in an international women's setup for the first time.” — John Mitchell, england head coach

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The Red Roses will face the United States in New Jersey on October 30, the final fixture of the current WXV Global Series. Post-series, Edwards has indicated he will assess opportunities for a Six Nations coaching role, potentially re-joining an international backroom staff in 2027.

ESPN