Edwards shuts down Argentina talk to stay fully focused on Red Roses

Shaun Edwards has made clear he has no interest in talking about his impending move to Argentina while he remains part of England’s Red Roses coaching staff, with players praising the experienced defence coach’s total commitment to the squad.

Edwards joined John Mitchell’s Red Roses set-up in September on a consultancy basis and is currently in Canada with the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 champions ahead of WXV Global Series fixtures against Canada and the USA. Last week it was confirmed he will join Argentina as their defence coach in November, working alongside former Los Pumas head coach Mario Ledesma under Felipe Contepomi.

Wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald revealed she had tried to raise the subject with Edwards at dinner, only to be firmly rebuffed. “I was like, ‘Oh, so, go on, what’s happening? Are you excited about going to Argentina?’” she said. “He wouldn’t even answer me. He was having absolutely none of it. He was like, ‘I’m not with Argentina. I’m with you guys.’ Head fully in Red Roses, fully committed to us. Wouldn’t even engage in a conversation about Argentina. I think that’s quite indicative of his commitment to being where his feet are now.”

Despite spending less than a month with the squad, Edwards has already made a significant impression. England lock Lilli Ives Campion described his impact as transformative in terms of mindset and energy. “I think Shaun’s come in and been absolutely incredible for us,” she said. “He’s still got so much left to give to the game. We’re just with him in this moment now, and enjoying what he has as a coaching experience and bringing that into our game.”

Edwards’ defensive influence was visible in England’s 26-19 victory over New Zealand, a result that underlined the Red Roses’ continued strength at the top of the women’s game.

There had been speculation that the 59-year-old might instead join Steve Borthwick’s England men’s setup, particularly after it emerged that current defence coach Joe El-Abd will leave the international set-up after Rugby World Cup 2027 to take up the director of rugby role at Clermont in the Top 14.

England face a demanding schedule in North America. Canada ended the Red Roses’ 38-game unbeaten run with a 26-26 draw at Exeter’s Sandy Park, making the upcoming Toronto fixture a highly anticipated rematch — one that will also set a new North American attendance record for a standalone women’s rugby match. A meeting with the USA at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey follows.