Edwards confirmed as Wales’ new defence coach

WASPS head coach Shaun Edwards has been appointed Wales’ defence coach on a part-time basis until January 2010.

The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed Edwards’ appointment yesterday after reaching an agreement over a release contract with Wasps.

Edwards will be reunited with Wales head coach Warren Gatland, after the pair enjoyed unparalleled success at Wasps — winning a hat-trick of Premiership titles and the Heineken Cup.

The Wasps connection is strengthened further by the arrival of former scrum-half Rob Howley as Gatland’s assistant.

Howley will split his time with the Cardiff Blues, where he is currently backs coach, until May and then take up a full-time post through to the 2011 World Cup.

Forwards coach Robin McBryde and kicking specialist Neil Jenkins are the only coaches to retain their positions following Wales’ disappointing World Cup campaign.

Gatland said: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit individuals with the talents and skills of Rob and Shaun. I have also been very impressed by the input of Robin and Neil and I am now satisfied I have the right team in place to go forward with confidence.

“We know what we want to achieve and we have already started talking detail, with everyone having input into the selection of this new playing squad.

“There has been lots of speculation about the arrival of Shaun – and I have made no secret of my admiration for him as a player, a coach and a loyal friend.

“He is an inspirational character, and I know the squad players will get to know and respect him very quickly.

“Rob Howley is also a man with great talent and a fantastic work ethic who will give nothing but 100% to the Welsh cause. He was one of the best players I ever coached.”

Edwards will join up with Wales during tournaments and tours.

“I believe I am ready for Test rugby, while I am also delighted that I will be able to continue with my role at Wasps – which is very important to me.

Meanwhile Martyn Williams has made a shock return to international rugby and been named in the Wales squad for the Six Nations Championship.

Williams, 32, announced his retirement just three months ago after Wales lost to Fiji and were knocked out in the group stages of the World Cup.

But Gatland has persuaded the Cardiff Blues flanker to perform a surprise u-turn and he is included in a 28-man Wales squad, to be captained by Ryan Jones.

Williams’ inclusion highlights the paucity of open-side flankers available to Gatland.

Robin Sowden-Taylor, 25, is seen as Williams’ eventual replacement but cannot currently command a regular place in the Blues side.

Gatland also dropped a hint that Dwayne Peel is under major pressure from Mike Phillips to keep hold of the scrum-half jersey after explaining he was overlooked for the captaincy because of the competition for places.

Stephen Jones was not considered for the same reason, indicating James Hook is being seriously considered as the starting fly-half.

Backs: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), James Hook (Ospreys), Stephen Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Dwayne Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Ospreys), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester).

Forwards: Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Delve (Gloucester), Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt).