Shaun Edwards has been added to the England Women’s rugby coaching roster as a consultant, a role that will run until the conclusion of the WXV Global Series, according to an announcement from the Rugby Football Union. The former league star, now 59, steps in after his dismissal as France’s defence coach earlier this year and will remain with the Red Roses through to their final match of the current campaign, which is scheduled for October 30 in New Jersey against the United States. Edwards began his involvement with the world‑champion side ahead of the Saturday test against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, bringing a wealth of experience from his long and distinguished career in both league and union.
England head coach John Mitchell welcomed him, noting that the two had discussed the game since Edwards’ departure from the French set‑up and that Edwards expressed a genuine desire to work within an international women’s environment for the first time. "He holds the Red Roses in the highest regard and sees it as an honour to be part of our programme," Mitchell said. "His coaching pedigree is outstanding, and his track record at the very top tier of rugby speaks for itself.
Defensively, Sarah Hunter is eager to absorb his insights, as are the rest of our staff, as we prepare for another thrilling test against New Zealand. Shaun will enrich the programme and deliver tremendous value to the squad for the remainder of the WXV Global Series." The Red Roses entered the series on a high note, but their impressive 39‑match winning run was halted on Saturday when they were held to a 26‑26 draw by Canada in Exeter. After the New Zealand fixture in London, England’s women will close out the series in October with two matches against Canada and a final showdown with the United States on foreign soil. This appointment marks only the fourth senior coaching position in Edwards’ notable 25‑year career.
His résumé already includes stints with the Wasps, the Welsh national side and the French team, and the addition of the Red Roses further broadens his international portfolio. Edwards’ exit from the French camp came as a surprise. He had overseen France’s defence since 2020 and was part of the coaching group that guided Les Bleus to three Six Nations titles.
However, head coach Fabien Galthié announced in June that a reshuffle of the back‑room staff was necessary, and Edwards was among those released shortly after France secured the Six Nations crown in March. By taking a short‑term role with England Women, Edwards keeps his options open for a return to the men’s game, specifically with an eye on the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
He has indicated a strong personal connection to that competition, describing it as the benchmark by which he measures his own success. 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." While no formal invitation to join the England men’s coaching staff has been extended, the short‑term nature of his current contract does leave the door open. Head coach Steve Borthwick already has a solid back‑room team, with his deputy Richard Wigglesworth currently overseeing defensive structures – the very area in which Edwards specialises.
Should Edwards be offered a role with the men’s side, it would likely be after the WXV series concludes, allowing him to transition smoothly without overlapping commitments. The addition of a coach of Edwards’ calibre is expected to provide a fresh perspective on defensive tactics for the Red Roses. His experience in high‑pressure environments, both in league and union, should help England sharpen their defensive patterns ahead of the crucial fixtures that remain.
Moreover, his presence offers the players an opportunity to learn from someone who has succeeded at the highest levels of the sport, potentially accelerating their development and confidence as they prepare for the final stretch of the series. In summary, Shaun Edwards’ short‑term consultancy with the England Women’s rugby team is a strategic move for both parties. The Red Roses gain a seasoned defensive mind just as they approach the decisive phase of the WXV Global Series, while Edwards secures a platform to stay engaged with international rugby and keep his aspirations for a future role in the men’s Six Nations alive.
The partnership will run until the USA match in New Jersey on October 30, after which both sides will evaluate their next steps.