France appoint Shaun Edwards as new defence coach

France have appointed Shaun Edwards as the new defence coach of the national side.

Edwards recently stepped down from his role as an assistant coach with Wales after the conclusion of the World Cup in Japan where his side finished fourth.

He joined Wales as defence coach in 2008 under Warren Gatland and guided the side to Grand Slam wins in 2008, 2012 and 2019 as well the Six Nations title in 2013 while also reaching the semi-finals in the 2011 and 2019 World Cups.

Earlier, the 53-year-old was set to take in charge of rugby league side Wigan Warriors post World Cup but pulled out of the offer as he could not prepare for the role while contracted with Wales. He has also previously worked as both assistant and head coach of Premiership club Wasps.

Edwards will now work under Fabien Galthie, who took over the head coach role of France from Jacques Brunel.

France will kick-start their 2020 Six Nations campaign with a clash against England at Stade de France on 2nd February.