Shaun Edwards has been brought into the England Women’s coaching set‑up as a consultant for the remainder of the WXV Global Series, the Rugby Football Union confirmed on Monday. The 59‑year‑old former rugby league star, who was dismissed from his role as France’s defence coach earlier this year, will now work with the Red Roses up to their final match of the current campaign, a showdown with the United States in New Jersey on 30 October. Edwards’ appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the English side. He began his duties ahead of the Saturday test against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, joining head coach John Mitchell and the existing coaching staff.
Mitchell said the partnership was the result of a conversation that took place after Edwards’ tenure with France concluded. “He expressed a genuine interest in contributing to an international women’s programme for the first time,” Mitchell explained.
“He has a deep respect for the Red Roses and the values we embody, and sees it as a privilege to be part of our environment.” The former Great Britain captain brings a wealth of experience to the role. His coaching résumé includes stints with Wasps, Wales and France, and he is widely regarded for his defensive acumen.
Mitchell added, “His credentials are outstanding and his experience at the highest level speaks for itself. Defensively, Sarah Hunter and the rest of our players are eager to learn from him as we prepare for another high‑stakes test against New Zealand.” Edwards’ impact is expected to be immediate. The consultant will work closely with the defensive unit, offering tactical insights, drill design and on‑field adjustments.
He will also mentor the coaching group, sharing best practices from his 25‑year career that has seen him win three Six Nations titles with France and guide the French side to multiple championship victories. While his tenure with the Red Roses is limited to the remainder of the WXV series, the union believes his presence will add significant value to the squad’s preparation and performance. The Red Roses entered the series on a 39‑test winning streak, a run that was halted on Saturday when they drew 26‑26 with Canada in Exeter.
After that result, England traveled to London to face New Zealand, a match that will serve as a benchmark for the team’s defensive structures under Edwards’ guidance. The final phase of the WXV Global Series will see England play two more games against Canada and a final fixture against the United States in New Jersey, concluding the tournament away from home.
Edwards’ short‑term contract also serves a personal strategic purpose. By limiting his involvement to the women’s programme, he keeps his options open for a potential role in the men’s Six Nations. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Edwards made clear his ambition: “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.” Despite his expressed desire, there is currently no indication that Edwards will join the England men’s coaching staff. Head coach Steve Borthwick already has a robust team of assistants, with Richard Wigglesworth acting as the defence coach—Edwards’ specialty.
Nonetheless, the consultancy allows Edwards to stay connected to the international scene while he evaluates his next move. The background to Edwards’ departure from France is noteworthy. He was unexpectedly removed from his position shortly after France secured the Six Nations title in March. Having overseen the French defence since 2020, Edwards contributed to three championship victories, but head coach Fabien Galthié announced in June that a reshuffle of the back‑room staff was necessary to inject fresh ideas after a long period of stability.
Edwards’ arrival in the England women’s camp brings a fresh perspective to a side that is seeking to rebuild after the draw with Canada. His expertise in defensive organization, line speed and pressure tactics is expected to complement the existing strategies employed by Mitchell and his staff. Moreover, his reputation as a player who captained Great Britain and as a coach who has succeeded across multiple national programmes adds a level of credibility that can inspire confidence among the players.
Beyond the immediate tactical benefits, Edwards’ presence underscores a growing trend in rugby: the cross‑pollination of ideas between the men’s and women’s games. As more high‑profile coaches move between the two, the overall standard of play is expected to rise, with women’s teams gaining access to the same level of strategic insight that has traditionally been reserved for the men’s game. In summary, Shaun Edwards’ short‑term consultancy with the England Women’s rugby team is a mutually beneficial arrangement.
The Red Roses gain a seasoned defensive mind ahead of crucial fixtures in the WXV Global Series, while Edwards maintains a foothold in international rugby as he pursues his ambition of returning to the men’s Six Nations arena. The partnership will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, eager to see how his influence translates into on‑field performance as England aims to finish the series on a high note.