Shaun Edwards has been brought on as a consultant for the England women’s rugby team, a role that will run through the remainder of the WXV Global Series, according to an announcement from the Rugby Football Union. The former rugby league star, now 59, was dismissed from his position as France’s defence coach earlier this year, and his new assignment sees him working with the Red Roses until their final fixture of the current campaign – a match against the United States in New Jersey on 30 October. Edwards’ involvement with the world‑champion side begins ahead of the upcoming test against New Zealand, scheduled for Saturday at Allianz Stadium. England head coach John Mitchell welcomed the addition, explaining that after Edwards’ departure from the French set‑up, the two discussed the possibility of a collaboration.
Mitchell noted that Edwards expressed a genuine interest in experiencing an international women’s environment for the first time and that he holds the Red Roses in high regard. “He sees it as a privilege to join our environment,” Mitchell said, adding that Edwards’ coaching résumé is “exceptional” and his experience at the highest levels of the sport “speaks for itself.” The defensive captain, Sarah Hunter, is particularly enthusiastic about the chance to learn from Edwards, Mitchell added, highlighting that the whole coaching group will benefit as they prepare for another high‑stakes test against the Black Ferns. “Shaun will add to the programme and provide incredible value to the girls over the remainder of the WXV Global Series,” Mitchell concluded. The Red Roses entered the series on a strong run, having amassed a 39‑match winning streak before a 26‑26 draw with Canada in Exeter halted their momentum.
After the New Zealand clash in London, England’s schedule will see them finish the series in October with two games against Canada and a final encounter with the United States, both played away from home. This consultancy marks only the fourth senior appointment in Edwards’ distinguished 25‑year coaching career. His résumé already includes spells with Wasps, Wales and France, and the England women’s role adds another high‑profile chapter. 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 the French defence since 2020 and contributed to three Championship victories. Head coach Fabien Galthié later explained that a restructuring of the back‑room staff was necessary, prompting the change. By taking a short‑term role with the Red Roses, Edwards keeps his options open for involvement in the men’s Six Nations later in the year.
He has indicated a desire to link up with a men’s side in time for the competition, a move that would allow him to return to the tournament he describes as “my tournament.” In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Edwards said, “The Six Nations is my tournament. It’s what I judge myself on.
I love the history of it. I love being involved in it. For me it’s the best and it will come around quickly. Would I be disappointed if I wasn’t involved next year?
Of course I would be. Having been the most successful coach in the history of the competition, I’ll be a little bit cheesed off if I’m not.” At present, there is no concrete evidence that Edwards will be appointed to the England men’s coaching staff. Current head coach Steve Borthwick already has a well‑stocked team of assistants, with Richard Wigglesworth serving as the defence coach – the very specialty Edwards is known for.
Nonetheless, the short‑term consultancy provides Edwards with a platform to showcase his expertise in a different context, while the Red Roses benefit from his wealth of experience as they aim to finish the WXV Global Series on a high note. The appointment also underscores a growing trend of cross‑gender coaching exchanges in elite rugby, where knowledge and tactical insight are increasingly shared across the men’s and women’s games. Edwards’ defensive acumen, honed through years of high‑pressure international competition, is expected to bolster England’s back‑line structures, improve tackle technique, and enhance overall defensive cohesion. For the players, working with a coach of Edwards’ stature offers a unique learning opportunity, potentially accelerating their development and preparing them for future challenges on the world stage.
In summary, Shaun Edwards’ short‑term consultancy with the England women’s team represents a strategic move for both parties: the Red Roses gain a seasoned strategist to help navigate the final stages of the WXV Global Series, while Edwards remains active in the international arena and keeps the door open for future involvement in the men’s Six Nations. The partnership will be closely watched as the teams prepare for the upcoming fixtures, and it may set a precedent for further collaborations between top‑level coaches and women’s rugby programs worldwide.