Shaun Edwards joins Argentina coaching staff through 2027 Rugby World Cup

Shaun Edwards has been appointed Argentina's defence coach on a contract lasting until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, BBC Sport reported on Friday. The 59-year-old will join head coach Felipe Contepomi's staff at the end of October, after completing his consultancy commitment with England's women's team.

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Edwards is one of two experienced additions to the Pumas' coaching group. Mario Ledesma, the former Argentina hooker who also served as national head coach, has been appointed to oversee the forwards and will begin work at the same time. Argentina's next assignments are November Nations Championship matches against Ireland, Italy and France.

In comments carried by BBC Sport, Edwards said he was pleased to be joining Contepomi and expressed his admiration for the ability of Argentina's players. He said he hoped to contribute the experience gained from his international coaching career during the coming year. The appointment follows his departure earlier this year from France, where he helped the men's team win three Six Nations titles as defence coach.

His record also includes a 12-year spell with Wales, during which they won four Six Nations championships. At club level, he was part of a Wasps coaching staff that won four English league titles and two Champions Cups. The former Wigan rugby league player had said in March that he wanted to coach in the Rugby Championship, which brings together Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The move settles Edwards' immediate future after renewed discussion about a possible role with England's men. BBC Sport noted that he declined an England opportunity in 2006, then chose Wales' defence job over leadership of England's second-string team in 2008. He also met Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney in 2021, but stayed with France on an extended contract when no firm offer followed.

Argentina, who have reached three World Cup semi-finals, will face Fiji, Spain and Canada in their pool at the 2027 tournament. The competition is scheduled to run from 1 October to 13 November. Edwards' agreement covers that campaign, with the November internationals coming shortly after he and Ledesma take up their posts.