League: NRL Sport: Rugby Country: England Category: Coaching

Shaun Edwards joins Red Roses coaching staff for WXV Global Series

5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 10:48 AM

Last updated Sep 21, 2026

Shaun Edwards joins Red Roses coaching staff for WXV Global Series

Summary

Shaun Edwards has been appointed to the England women’s rugby team as a consultant coach for the WXV Global Series. The 59-year-old will assist current defence coach Sarah Hunter for the rest of the series, starting with a match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. This hiring comes after the Red Roses' 39-match winning streak was snapped by a draw against Canada last weekend. Edwards, a highly regarded defence coach with significant experience, recently left his role with France's men’s team, where he achieved three Six Nations titles. He expressed enthusiasm for working in the women's setup and joins the team at a critical moment as they aim to regroup for the upcoming fixtures in North America.

Source Links

ESPN Rugby The Guardian Sport Yahoo Sports BBC Sport

Status Watch

•Edwards starts short-term consultancy role with the Red Roses.
•He will assist ahead of matches against New Zealand and Canada.
•Edwards has never previously coached within England’s setup.
•His hiring follows the end of England's 39-match winning streak.
•The Red Roses will tour North America as part of the WXV Global Series.

Latest Updates

11:12 AMESPN Rugby — Edwards joins Red Roses in consultant role
10:32 AMThe Guardian Sport — Shaun Edwards finally lands England coaching role after joining Red Roses
10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Shaun Edwards joins Red Roses coaching staff in return to English rugby
10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Edwards signs short-term deal with Red Roses
10:00 AMBBC Sport — Edwards signs short-term deal with Red Roses

What they're saying

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Defence guru left French men’s team in June Edwards will work as a consultant for duration of WXV Defence guru Shaun Edwards has joined the Red Roses coaching set-up in a consultancy role until the end of the WXV Global Series. The former Wales and France men’s coach has not had a role in women’s rugby before but has been brought on board with the Red Roses head coach, John Mitchell, describing his credentials as “exceptional” in the highest echelons of the sport. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Sarah Rendell

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Shaun Edwards has joined the England women coaching team as a consultant until the end of the WXV Global Series, the Rugby Football Union has announced.
— ESPN Rugbyby PA