Wales delight as Edwards remains defence coach

THE Welsh Rugby Union have expressed delight after keeping Shaun Edwards out of the clutches of England for a second time.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis confirmed he had concluded a deal that sees Edwards remain as Walesdefence coach for what is understood to be at least another four years.

The move, which is expected to be officially announced today, ended any chance of former Great Britain rugby league star Edwards joining England’s coaching team in the build-up to the 2015 World Cup.

Edwards had been a free agent since leaving his role as Wasps head coach this month, with his previous Wales contract expiring at the end of the World Cup last month.

Lewis explained: “It was more than apparent through the extraordinary coverage in the UK press that Shaun was in considerable demand from many quarters and there were many options open to him in this country and in Europe.

“He smartly went off to New York last week just to get out of the country, because he was quite literally being bombarded.

“I kept in touch with him daily out there and concluded matters positively on Saturday.

“I’m delighted for Welsh rugby, I’m delighted for the team of coaches we’ve got and I’m delighted for Shaun. He has proved himself as a coach at the very highest level and we know what huge respect and affection he is held in, not only by the players but also by the Welsh rugby public.

“Our whole focus must be building on that and looking to the future. That is why the appointment of Shaun Edwards is so important.”