Sunday 23 October 2011

Edwards Hints at Wasps Departure


Wasps head coach Shaun Edwards has hinted that he could leave his post at the Premiership club.

The former Great Britain rugby league star has spent much of September and October at the World Cup in his position as Wales' defence coach.

"There is a pretty good chance I will be unconnected, both at club and international level, when I get back," said Edwards.

"Maybe it is time for me to go on to other challenges."

Asked if that meant he would be leaving Wasps, Edwards continued: "Potentially, maybe in the future. I will make a statement when it all comes out properly."

Edwards had already revealed that he was unsure whether he had a future with Wales once they returned home from New Zealand.

The former Bradford Bulls and London Broncos scrum-half joined Wasps as backs coach in 2001 and took over as head coach from current Wales boss Warren Gatland in 2005.

During Edwards' time at the club, Wasps have won the Premiership on three occasions, as well as lifting the Heineken Cup in 2004 and 2007.

If he was to become a free agent it would undoubtedly alert England, with current head coach Martin Johnson and his staff yet to make a decision on their futures.

Edwards insisted that his future remains in the sport, adding: "My future is up in the air, there is no doubt about it. I like coaching rugby, and I will have an open mind to anything, really."