Shaun Edwards joins Red Roses as consultant

Shaun Edwards has joined the Red Roses on a short-term coaching consultancy ahead of England’s Test against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, bringing decades of international and club coaching experience into John Mitchell’s set-up.

Shaun Edwards joins Red Roses coaching team

The 59-year-old will work with England for the remainder of their 2026 WXV Global Series campaign, which concludes against the United States in New Jersey on October 30.

The appointment marks Edwards’ first coaching role in international women’s rugby following the end of his tenure as France defence coach earlier this year.

Edwards enjoyed major success with Wasps and later established himself as a leading international defence coach during a 12-year spell with Wales between 2008 and 2019.

During that period, Wales won four Six Nations titles, including Grand Slams in 2008, 2012 and 2019.

Former France coach brings defensive expertise

Edwards joined France’s coaching staff in 2020 and helped Les Bleus win the 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam before further championship triumphs in 2025 and 2026.

He has also previously coached with the British & Irish Lions and is one of rugby league’s most decorated former players following a trophy-laden career with Wigan and Great Britain.

Mitchell said he had competed against Edwards in international coaching for many years and was looking forward to working with and learning from him.

“Shaun and I have competed against each other in the international coaching arena for a very long time and I am very respectful of what he has delivered. I’m looking forward to learning and working with him," said Mitchell.

“Since his time with France ended, we have had a conversation about our game, and he expressed an interest in working in an international women’s setup 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".

Red Roses prepare for New Zealand Test

The England head coach added that defence coach Sarah Hunter and the wider coaching group were looking forward to learning from Edwards during the remainder of the WXV campaign.

“His coaching credentials are exceptional and his experience at the highest level of the game speaks for itself.

"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.

"Shaun will add to the programme and provide incredible value to the girls over the remainder of the WXV Global Series.”

England face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on September 26 before travelling to North America for two Tests against Canada and their final WXV fixture against the United States.