Shaun Edwards has joined the England Red Roses as a defence consultant, marking his first foray into women's rugby. The legendary defence guru will work with the team until the end of the WXV Global Series, bringing a wealth of experience from his time with Wales and France men's teams.
Shaun Edwards' Role with the Red Roses
Edwards, 59, is already in situ and will help the Red Roses prepare for their upcoming Test against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium this Saturday. He will then travel with the squad to Canada and the USA next month. His appointment comes after leaving his role with France in June following a restructuring of Les Bleus' backroom staff.
Head coach John Mitchell expressed his enthusiasm: "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. He has a huge amount of respect for the Red Roses and what we stand for; he sees it as a privilege to join our environment."
Edwards' Coaching Credentials
Shaun Edwards is widely regarded as one of the best defensive coaches in rugby. He played rugby league for Wigan Warriors and Great Britain, transitioning to coaching where he made his mark with Wasps, Wales, and France. His defensive strategies have been instrumental in numerous successes, including Grand Slam victories with Wales.
Mitchell added: "His coaching credentials are exceptional and his experience at the highest level of the game speaks for itself. Defensively, Sarah Hunter [England's defence coach] is relishing the opportunity to learn from him, alongside the rest of our coaching group, as we head into another exciting Test match against New Zealand."
Impact on the Red Roses
The Red Roses are currently the top-ranked team in the world and will benefit immensely from Edwards' expertise. His focus on defence will be crucial as they face tough opposition in the WXV Global Series. The team is gearing up for a challenging schedule, and Edwards' input could be the edge they need to maintain their dominance.
Key Takeaways
- Shaun Edwards joins England Red Roses as defence consultant until the end of the WXV Global Series.
- He brings extensive experience from coaching Wales and France men's teams.
- Edwards will work alongside defence coach Sarah Hunter to strengthen the team's defence.
- His first match will be against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium this Saturday.
- The Red Roses aim to maintain their world No. 1 ranking with Edwards' help.
Comparison of Edwards' Coaching Tenures
| Team | Role | Duration | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | Defence Coach | 2008–2019 | 4 Six Nations titles, 3 Grand Slams |
| France | Defence Coach | 2019–2025 | 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam |
| England Red Roses | Defence Consultant | 2025–present | Ongoing WXV Global Series |
FAQ
Who is Shaun Edwards?
Shaun Edwards is a former rugby league player and current rugby union coach, renowned for his defensive expertise. He has coached Wales and France men's teams and is now a consultant for the England Red Roses.
What is the WXV Global Series?
The WXV Global Series is an international women's rugby union competition featuring top teams from around the world. It serves as a key tournament in the women's rugby calendar.
How will Shaun Edwards impact the Red Roses?
Edwards will work on strengthening the team's defence, sharing his vast knowledge with defence coach Sarah Hunter and the rest of the coaching staff. His experience is expected to enhance the Red Roses' performance in the WXV Global Series.
Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of nordstrom anniversary sale deals buy before sunday, white t shirts men timeless style, walking shoes vacation salomon xt whisper, white t shirts men style guide, and travel sneakers blisters salomon xt whisper. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of fig perfumes back fragrances try now, white t shirts men timeless effortless, white t shirts men style essentials buy now, compression socks travel standing all day, and non toxic sunscreens dermatologists use. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.