BUENOS AIRES — Defence coach Shaun Edwards has joined Argentina's coaching staff on a deal that runs until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, ending speculation over a potential role in Steve Borthwick's England set-up. The 59-year-old will fulfil his consultancy role with England's women's team before linking up with Felipe Contepomi's Pumas at the end of October.
"I'm delighted to join Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff and the Argentina rugby team at the end of this month until the World Cup next year in Australia," said Edwards. "I've always admired the ability and quality of Argentine players and I hope to bring some of my international experience to the team during the next year," added the former Wigan rugby league great.
Edwards will work alongside former Argentina head coach and hooker Mario Ledesma, who has been appointed to take charge of the forwards, with both set to start at the end of October. Argentina are then set to face Ireland, Italy and France in November in Nations Championship matches, before turning attention to a World Cup pool that includes Fiji, Spain and Canada. The tournament takes place between 1 October and 13 November 2027, with Argentina having reached the semi-finals on three occasions.
Englishman Edwards is one of the most decorated coaches in rugby union and left his position as France men's defence coach earlier this year after helping them win three Six Nations titles. He previously spent a successful 12 years with Wales, helping them win four Six Nations titles, and won four English titles and two Champions Cups while on Wasps' staff. Edwards said in March that he was interested in coaching in the Rugby Championship, the southern hemisphere tournament contested by South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. He turned down a chance to coach his country in 2006 as he grieved the death of his brother, opted to take the Wales defence role in 2008 rather than lead England's second-string side then known as the Saxons, and met with Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney in 2021 before signing an extension to stay with France.