Shaun Edwards: Defense coach discussing France exit

Shaun Edwards is in talks to leave the French national team, with the fabled defenders one year away from the Rugby World Cup.

The 59-year-old’s exit is complicated by 18 months remaining on his contract and France’s desire to maintain secrecy around tactics.

France have won the Six Nations three times under Edwards but have made more attempts than any other team apart from Lower Wales to win the 2026 trophy.

Edwards was left out of France’s training camps after the tournament, with relations between Wigan and Great Britain rugby league legend and head coach Fabien Galti previously strained.

Edwards, who spent 12 years with Wales and won four FA Cups and two Champions Leagues with Wasps He said he was interested in coaching in the Rugby Championship in March. Southern Hemisphere tournament played in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.

With just over a year to go before Australia 2027, that prospect has raised concerns within the FFR (French Rugby Federation).

In the last Rugby World Cup, this was the result of France’s quarter-final exit at home The South African coaches had decoded one of their tactical calls., External before a 29-28 victory.

Unions may insist on ‘intellectual property’ around their flag groups.

England first had defense coach Felix Jones, who was caught on YouTube recording France’s strikers’ pick-and-roll calls during their ‘boxing’ World Cup campaign; 12 months notice after resigning in August 2024.

Non-compete clauses, which prohibit coaches from working with a rival team for a certain period of time, are also common.