Shaun Edwards joins Argentina defence for 2027 World Cup — SkimNews
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- Shaun Edwards joined Argentina as defence coach on a deal running until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with the 59-year-old set to start work with the Pumas at the end of October.
- The appointment ends speculation Edwards could be handed a role in Steve Borthwick's England set-up; instead he will fulfil a consultancy role with England's women's team before joining Felipe Contepomi's staff.
- Edwards left his post as France men's defence coach earlier this year after helping them win three Six Nations titles, having previously spent a successful 12 years with Wales and winning four English titles and two Champions Cups while on Wasps' staff.
- Mario Ledesma, the former Argentina head coach and hooker, has been appointed to take charge of the forwards and will start alongside Edwards at the end of October.
- Argentina are then set to face Ireland, Italy and France in November Nations Championship matches as preparation for the World Cup.
- Three-time semi-finalists Argentina have been drawn in a World Cup pool with Fiji, Spain and Canada, with the tournament running 1 October to 13 November 2027.
Why it matters: Edwards is one of rugby union's most decorated coaches, with three Six Nations titles on his resume from France, and Argentina — three-time World Cup semi-finalists — have secured him with just over a year to prepare for a tournament they have never won. The deal also formally removes a high-profile candidate from Steve Borthwick's England options after Edwards previously turned down England coaching roles in 2006 and 2008.
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