Shaun Edwards joins England Women on short-term deal for WXV Global Series

Shaun Edwards has returned to coaching by joining England Women’s set-up on a short-term deal, working alongside head coach John Mitchell and defence coach Sarah Hunter for the remainder of the WXV Global Series.

The 59-year-old’s first assignment is England’s fixture against the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium this weekend. His appointment marks his first involvement in women’s international rugby.

Edwards departed his role as France men’s defence coach in the summer after nearly six years, having helped Fabien Galthié’s side to a Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026. Before France, he spent 12 years with Wales, guiding the nation to four Men’s Six Nations championships, and was part of the British & Irish Lions coaching staff for their 2009 tour of South Africa.

Mitchell said the two men had spoken since Edwards’ departure from France, and that the veteran coach had expressed a specific interest in working within a women’s international environment for the first time. “He has a huge amount of respect for the Red Roses and what we stand for; he sees it as a privilege to join our environment,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell also highlighted the benefit Edwards’ presence would bring to Hunter in particular. “Defensively, Sarah Hunter is relishing the opportunity to learn from him, alongside the rest of our coaching group, as we head into another exciting Test match against New Zealand.”

Edwards brings four decades of professional rugby experience to the role. As a player, he won 37 major titles with Wigan Warriors across a 17-year career that also included spells with Bradford Bulls and London Broncos. As a coach, he added domestic and European honours with Wasps before moving into international rugby.

His short-term contract runs until the conclusion of the WXV Global Series.