Shaun Edwards has been appointed as a consultant to the England women’s rugby team, a role that will see him remain with the side until the conclusion of the WXV Global Series, according to an announcement from the Rugby Football Union. The 59‑year‑old former rugby league star, who was dismissed from his position as France’s defence coach earlier this year, will now lend his expertise to the Red Roses for the remainder of the current campaign, culminating in their final match against the United States in New Jersey on 30 October. Edwards began his work with the world champions ahead of their upcoming test against New Zealand, scheduled to take place at Allianz Stadium.
England head coach John Mitchell explained the circumstances that led to the partnership: "After his tenure with France came to an end, we opened a dialogue about our approach to the game, and Shaun expressed a genuine interest in experiencing an international women’s environment for the first time. He holds the Red Roses in very high regard and sees the opportunity as a privilege to be part of our set‑up." Mitchell continued, highlighting Edwards’ pedigree: "His coaching résumé is outstanding, and the breadth of his experience at the elite level speaks for itself.
On the defensive side of the ball, Sarah Hunter is eager to absorb his insights, as are the rest of our coaching staff, as we prepare for another thrilling test against the Black Ferns. Shaun will add depth to our programme and deliver tremendous value to the players throughout the remainder of the WXV Global Series." The Red Roses entered the series on a remarkable run of 39 consecutive test victories, a streak that was halted in Exeter when they were held to a 26‑26 draw by Canada. Following that result, England will travel to London for a showdown with New Zealand before wrapping up the series in October with two matches against Canada and a final fixture versus the United States on foreign soil. This appointment marks only the fourth senior coaching role in Edwards’ distinguished 25‑year career.
His résumé already includes stints with Wasps, the Welsh national team and the French side, and the addition of the England women’s squad further broadens his portfolio. Edwards, a former Great Britain captain, was unexpectedly removed from his French post shortly after France secured the Six Nations title in March. He had overseen French defence since 2020 and was instrumental in three championship victories, but head coach Fabien Galthié announced in June that a reshuffle of the back‑room staff was necessary after a prolonged period in place.
By taking a short‑term assignment with the England women, Edwards keeps his options open for involvement in the men’s Six Nations later in the year. He has indicated that his ultimate ambition is to secure a role with a men’s side in time for that competition. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Edwards said, "The Six Nations is my tournament.
It’s the benchmark I use to measure myself. I love its history, I love being part of it, and for me it remains the pinnacle of the sport. If I weren’t involved next year, I would be disappointed – I’ve been the most successful coach in the competition’s history, so I’d be a little bit cheesed off if I missed out." At present, there is no confirmed link between Edwards and the England men’s coaching team. Head coach Steve Borthwick already has a strong staff in place, with his deputy Richard Wigglesworth currently handling defensive responsibilities – the very area in which Edwards specialises.
Nonetheless, the possibility remains that Edwards could be tapped for a future role, given his reputation and the respect he commands across the rugby community. Beyond the immediate tactical contributions Edwards is expected to make, his presence brings a wealth of experience in high‑pressure environments, player management, and defensive structuring. The Red Roses will benefit from his insights into game‑plan development, opposition analysis, and the cultivation of a resilient defensive mindset – all crucial elements as they aim to finish the WXV Global Series on a high note and to reclaim their dominance on the world stage.
In summary, Shaun Edwards’ short‑term consultancy with England Women provides both parties with a mutually beneficial arrangement: the Red Roses gain a seasoned strategist to fine‑tune their defence ahead of decisive fixtures, while Edwards remains active at the international level and keeps his profile visible ahead of the upcoming men’s Six Nations season. The partnership underscores the growing professionalism and cross‑gender collaboration within rugby union, highlighting how expertise can be shared across both men’s and women’s programmes to elevate the sport as a whole.