Shaun Edwards Eyes Rugby Championship Glory After France Success
Shaun Edwards expresses his ambition to coach a top southern hemisphere team, aiming for a Rugby Championship victory following his tenure with France. With his contract ending after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Edwards remains open-minded about his future. Recently, Les Bleus secured a thrilling 48-46 victory over England, marking Edwards' third title with France and his seventh overall as a coach. He shared his aspirations on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I have an ambition to win a Rugby Championship, to be honest." He expressed a desire to work with powerhouse teams such as the All Blacks, Springboks, or Argentina. Edwards, a former captain of Great Britain rugby league, has enjoyed a successful coaching career, starting with Wasps and later winning four Six Nations Championships with Wales. Since joining France after the 2019 World Cup, he contributed to their Grand Slam in 2022 and back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026. Despite calls for his return to coach England, he stated, "One thing I have learned over the years is you have to be asked... After the next World Cup, we will see what happens." Known for his defensive prowess, Edwards noted that the game has evolved significantly. With France conceding 96 points in their last two matches, he acknowledged the challenges: "World Rugby want more points, and a lot of the rules have changed in favour of the attack." He emphasized the shift in defensive expectations, stating that a good defensive performance now means conceding 21-22 points. As rugby continues to evolve, Edwards remains committed to adapting his strategies and looking forward to future opportunities.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-03-17