Shaun Stays with Wales

Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards has signed a new four-year contract, the Welsh Rugby Union has announced.

The deal will take Edwards, who has been part of Warren Gatland’s Wales coaching team since 2008, through to his third World Cup in Japan in 2019.

The WRU group chief executive, Martyn Phillips, said in a statement. “Shaun has shown great loyalty to Wales since he came into the role back in 2008 and as the squad prepare for their next campaign and looking further ahead to the next four-year cycle it is important they have the structure and resources in place.”

The former Wigan and Great Britain half-back had been linked with a return to rugby league.

Edwards said: “It is fantastic to work alongside such a dedicated and talented group of players and to be part of a strong management team. Warren has assembled a great team off the field and it’s a great environment.

“I get to work alongside some of the best coaches and management in the world and alongside some of my best friends in the game Rhys Long [WRU head of analysis] and Paul Stridgeon [WRU consultant head of physical performance].

“For me it is great to have signed through until 2019, but as I always have done, my focus is always on the next match and the next competition, which for us is the Six Nations.”

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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."