Shaun Edwards Joins England Women on Short-Term Coaching Deal

Shaun Edwards (L) has joined England Women as a short-term consultant

Shaun Edwards has taken on a short-term consultancy role with England women, working alongside the Red Roses' coaching staff for the remainder of their WXV Global Series campaign.

The 59-year-old will link up with current defence coach Sarah Hunter starting this Saturday, when England take on New Zealand at Allianz Stadium. The appointment comes just days after England's remarkable 39-Test winning run came to an end with a 26-26 draw against Canada.

Edwards is regarded as one of rugby union's most decorated coaches. He recently departed his role as France men's defence coach, a spell that included three Six Nations titles, but this marks his first time working with either the England men's or women's set-up.

Before his coaching career, Edwards enjoyed plenty of success as a player in rugby league, winning 36 caps for Great Britain. He later moved into coaching, achieving success with London Wasps and Wales before a six-year stint with France.

England head coach John Mitchell explained how the move came together.

"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 set-up for the first time," Mitchell said. "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. 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."

Edwards had made his desire to get back into coaching clear just last week, also revealing his ambition to be involved in next year's men's Six Nations.

"I'm definitely open to offers now, until I sort out a full-time role," he told the Daily Mail. "I'm a proud Englishman and everybody loves to represent their country, don't they? I'm no different."