Wigan Warriors icon Shaun Edwards lands new coaching role in rugby union

Wigan Warriors icon Shaun Edwards has landed a new role in rugby union with the England women’s team.

The 59-year-old links up with the Red Roses in a consultancy role on a short-term basis ahead of Saturday’s Test match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, and will be with the squad until the end of the WXV Global Series.

Edwards enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career in rugby league, having spent the majority of it with hometown club Wigan, scoring 274 tries in 466 appearances before having spells with Balmain Tigers, Bradford Bulls and London Broncos.

Following his playing retirement, the former Great Britain and Ireland rugby league international went into coaching in rugby union, where he has tasted much success.

Edwards enjoyed European and domestic success with Wasps before winning four Six Nations championships with Wales over a 12-year period.

He was appointed France’s defence coach in 2020 and helped Les Bleus to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026, before departing earlier this year.

Edwards has now joined the England women until their final match of the current campaign, which is against the USA in New Jersey on October 30.

“Shaun and I have competed against each other in the international coaching arena for a very long time and I am very respectful of what he has delivered,” said England women’s head coach John Mitchell.

“I’m looking forward to learning and working with him.

“Since his time with France ended, we have had a conversation about our game and he expressed an interest in working in an international women’s setup for the first time.

“He has a huge amount of respect for the Red Roses and what we stand for. He sees it as a privilege to join our environment.

“His coaching credentials are exceptional and his experience at the highest level of the game speaks for itself.

“Defensively, Sarah Hunter is relishing the opportunity to learn from him, alongside the rest of our coaching group, as we head into another exciting Test match against New Zealand.

“Shaun will add to the programme and provide incredible value to the girls over the remainder of the WXV Global Series.”