Edwards joins Red Roses coaching staff for WXV run — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Shaun Edwards has joined the England Women coaching team as a consultant until the end of the WXV Global Series, the Rugby Football Union announced, three days after the Red Roses' 39-Test winning streak ended in a 26-26 draw with Canada in Exeter.
- Edwards was sacked as France men's defence coach earlier in 2026 and will now work in an international women's setup for the first time at age 59, following conversations with head coach John Mitchell.
- Mitchell said Edwards expressed interest in joining the world champions, with defence coach Sarah Hunter set to work directly with him as England prepare for New Zealand on September 26 at Allianz Stadium.
- England's remaining WXV fixtures are Canada away in Toronto (Oct 16) and Ottawa (Oct 23), followed by USA in New Jersey (Oct 30).
- The Red Roses opened their WXV campaign with a 48-15 win over Australia before the Canada stalemate, having previously beaten Australia in their first match of the series.
Why it matters: A world-class defensive coach becomes available to the world champions at exactly the moment their 39-Test unbeaten run has been broken — Edwards will work directly with defence coach Sarah Hunter through England's four remaining WXV matches, the most punishing stretch of their calendar.
Ask SkimNews
