Warren Gatland hopes 'world-class defence coach' Shaun Edwards remain with Wales until World Cup

Wales boss Warren Gatland is hoping that defence coach Shaun Edwards will remain with the team until the 2019 World Cup.

However, Gatland insisted that he will not stop the 51-year-old from switching countries if he gets a better offer. Edwards was an assistant and head coach of London Wasps helping them to two Heineken Cups and three Premiership titles and has been with Wales since 2008.

With England's defence coach Paul Gustard leaving the red rose team to join Harlequins, reports are emerging that Rugby Football Union is keen to rope in Edwards despite him having a year contract left with Wales.

"He's committed to us until the World Cup," Gatland told reporters. "But if other opportunities come along, he needs to consider those because he's out of contract after the World Cup.

"There are two or three world-class defensive coaches out there and he's definitely one of them."

Wales went on to win three Six Nations title under the partnership of Gatland and Edwards and the duo also worked together during the British and Irish Lions' drawn series against New Zealand last year.