SHAUN EDWARDS has revealed his ambition to coach one of the southern hemisphere’s top rugby nations following the 2027 Rugby World Cup with France. The Englishman guided Les Bleus to a thrilling 48-46 win over England, securing his third Six Nations title with France and a record seventh as a coach overall.
Edwards says he is keeping an open mind about his future once his current contract ends next year. “I have an ambition to win a Rugby Championship,” he told Radio 5 Live. “I would love to be involved with the All Blacks, the Springboks, or maybe Argentina. Most World Cup winners come from the southern hemisphere, and I would love to challenge myself against those teams.”
A celebrated former Great Britain rugby league captain, Edwards began his rugby union coaching career at Wasps before joining Warren Gatland’s staff with Wales in 2008, winning four Six Nations titles over 12 years. Since moving to France after the 2019 World Cup, he has helped Les Bleus claim a Grand Slam in 2022 and consecutive championships in 2025 and 2026.
Despite regular calls for him to return to the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Edwards says he has never received an offer to coach his native country. “One thing I have learned is that you have to be asked if you are going to a club or a union,” he said. “They have to phone you. After the next World Cup, we’ll see what happens.”
Renowned as one of rugby’s top defence coaches, Edwards’ Welsh side once went four consecutive games without conceding a try during the 2013 Six Nations. He acknowledges, however, that the game has evolved. France conceded 96 points in their last two matches despite scoring record tries in the tournament.
“World Rugby wants more points, and many rules now favour attack,” Edwards explained. “Earlier, you could have multiple players contesting the ruck several times. Now, only one player can contest once. The pitches are better, and fans watch for attacking rugby, not defence. A solid defensive day now allows 21–22 points instead of 16–17.”
Edwards says that while France defended strongly in the first three games, they struggled against top attacking sides like Scotland and England. He sees these challenges as opportunities to refine his coaching philosophy ahead of a potential move to the southern hemisphere.
