Defense coach Shaun Edwards has joined Argentina’s coaching staff on a deal that runs until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The announcement ends any speculation that Edwards could play a role in Steve Borthwick’s England set-up, with the 59-year-old set to fill an advisory role with the England women’s team before joining Felipe Contepomi’s squad.
“I am delighted to be joining Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff and the Argentina rugby team in the lead up to next year’s World Cup in Australia later this month,” said Edwards.
“I have always admired the skill and quality of the Argentine players and I hope to bring some of my international experience to the team next year,” said the former Wigan rugby league man.
Englishman Edwards, one of the most decorated coaches in rugby union, stepped down as France men’s defense coach earlier this year after helping them win three Six Nations titles.
Edwards and Mario Ledesma, the former head coach of Argentina and the prostitute appointed to lead the forwards, will start work with the Pumas at the end of October.
Argentina will then face Ireland, Italy and France at the Nations Championship in November.
Three-time semi-finalists Argentina have been drawn in a pool with Fiji, Spain and Canada at the 2027 World Cup, which runs from October 1 to November 13.
Edwards, who also had a successful 12-year stint in Wales and won four England titles and two Champions Cups while at Wasps, said he was interested in coaching the Rugby Championship in March, a southern hemisphere tournament contested by South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.
He turned down the chance to coach his country in 2006, believing the tighter fixtures at Wasps would suit him better as he grieved the death of his brother.
Two years later he opted to take up a defensive role with Wales rather than lead England’s second side, then known as the Saxons., external
In 2021, he met with Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney, but signed a contract extension to remain with France with no definitive offer forthcoming.