Shaun Edwards signs with Argentina for 2027 World Cup

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 15:08 · Archive

Defence coach Shaun Edwards has signed with Argentina until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, ending the possibility of joining England's men's team.

Shaun Edwards, 59, has signed a contract with Argentina that will run until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The defence coach will join head coach Felipe Contepomi's backroom staff, along with Mario Ledesma as forwards coach, from the end of October.

Edwards is currently working with England's Red Roses women's team on a short-term consultancy basis under coach John Mitchell, a role that concludes on 30 October after the WXV Global Series. He will then begin his work with Argentina in time for their Nations Championship games against Ireland, Italy and France in November.

Edwards left his role with France earlier this year after helping them win Six Nations titles in 2022, 2025 and 2026. Across his 25-year coaching career, he has won more than 50 trophies and previously held roles with Wasps, Wales and the British and Irish Lions. With Wales between 2008 and 2019, he secured Six Nations titles in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2019.

The Daily Mail reports that Edwards had told the outlet last month he wanted to join England's men's team full-time, saying 'I'm a proud Englishman and everybody loves to represent their country, don't they? I'm no different.' However, the Mail also reports he is disappointed that no long-term offer materialised from the RFU and England's head coach Steve Borthwick.

Edwards said in a statement carried by the Independent: 'I'm thrilled to be joining Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff, and the Argentinian team at the end of this month and through to next year's World Cup in Australia. I've always admired the skill and quality of Argentinian players, and I look forward to contributing my international experience to the team over the next year.' The signing removes one of the world's most highly regarded defence coaches from the market until after the tournament.

How it is being reported

• Edwards signs with Argentina as defence coach until after 2027 World CupCoveted defence coach Shaun Edwards has signed a contract with Argentina until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, ending any possibility of him linking up with Steve Borthwick's England.Sky Sports · 9 Oct, 15:06
• Shaun Edwards to bolster Argentina’s World Cup bid after England stintEdwards will join Felipe Contepomi’s staff from NovemberIndependent Sport · 9 Oct, 14:54
• England shoot themselves in the foot AGAIN as Argentina swoop for defence guru Shaun Edwards - Steve Borthwick and the RFU have missed a golden opportunity for much-needed coaching shake-up and this grave error will come back to haunt themALEX BYWATER: Shaun Edwards has signed with Argentina for next year's World Cup, ending any chance the Wigan-born defence guru will join Steve Borthwick's England set-up.Daily Mail Sport · 9 Oct, 14:06

In this story: Shaun Edwards · Steve Borthwick · Felipe Contepomi · England · Argentina · France · Wales

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem