Great News for Welsh Rugby -- "Edwards signs on for Wales until 2015"

Shaun has signed again until 2015.

His role has been extended. Now national defence coach not just for Wales' senior team, but also Wales U20s, U18s, and U16s.

As reported in "The Rugby Paper" today!

Good for Edwards...!

Not seen this anywhere else yet. Hope its true.

Just seen this on twitter retweeted by planet rugby

Shaun Edwards has agreed a new deal with Wales to beyond the 2015 World Cup, ending speculation he will join England

http://www.sportspredict.co.za/rugby/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15713308.stm

http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=32832

Great news, especially as he is to be involved with the age group squads as well as the main squad.

Shaun Edwards has signed a new contract with the Welsh Rugby Union to remain defence coach for the next four years.

Edwards, 45, left his role as Wasps head coach in November while his Wales contract expired at the end of the World Cup, leaving him a free agent.

He had been linked with a similar role with England, but Edwards will now remain part of Warren Gatland's staff.

"I kept in touch with him daily... and concluded matters positively on Saturday," said WRU chief Roger Lewis.

"I'm delighted for Welsh rugby, I'm delighted for the team of coaches we've got and I'm delighted for Shaun.

"He has proved himself as a coach at the very highest level and we know what huge respect and affection he is held in, not only by the players but also by the Welsh rugby public.

"Our whole focus must be building on that and looking to the future. That is why the appointment of Shaun Edwards is so important."

Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas has previously said he would like Edwards to become their part-time defence coach.

The Blues chief put the idea to the WRU in the hope that Edwards would accept a combined club and Wales role, perhaps supporting Blues caretaker coaches Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell.

The pair led the Blues to a rare Heineken Cup victory on French soil on Friday, winning 26-20 at Racing Metro.
SHAUN EDWARDS OBE FACT FILE
Continue reading the main story

Age 45
Born Wigan
Player: Wigan (1983-1997), Balmain Tigers (1989), London Broncos (1997 and 1998-2000) and Bradford Bulls (1998)
Coach: London Wasps (2001-2011) Wales assistant (2008-)

But the move for Edwards does not now seem likely, as there is a chance he will maintain his involvement in England's Premiership with a part-time role at another club - with Leicester Tigers one possibility.

"Shaun really gets switched on and motivated by weekly rugby and he wanted to keep a link with the English Premiership," group chief executive Lewis added.

"He's currently in negotiation with an English club. He won't leave the Wales camp in Test week, but there will be an opportunity for him to keep his hand in with the Premiership."

Wasps had been Edwards' main employer prior to his exit this month with his part-time Wales role allowed only under the sufferance of his club, but now the WRU will be his main employer and his Wales duties will take precedence over any additional work.

Edwards helped Wasps win two Heineken Cups and four English Premiership titles in his 10 years at the club before he left.

The former Great Britain rugby league international had admitted he would consider a coaching role with England in the wake of their disappointing World Cup campaign.

But since Edwards became Gatland's right-hand man in January 2008, on a part-time basis due to his Wasps commitments, Wales have won the 2008 Grand Slam and finished fourth at the 2011 World Cup.

The choice for Edwards seemed to be whether to stay with Wales - who have received rave reviews for their World Cup performance - or succumb to the pull of his native England, albeit at a time when the national side are in turmoil following poor performances on the field and controversy off it in New Zealand.

However, it seems that Edwards will now continue to direct Wales' defensive efforts as they begin another four-year build-up towards the 2015 World Cup in England.

From bbc sport

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/15713308.stm

The RFU miss out again!

Awesome for Wales and the Blues i should think

Are howley and mcbride staying on as well?

Doubt its the Blues - He'll stay in the Jeff unfortunately

Well done WRU. He would have had quite a few offers I would guess.

Dominic Dicoco wrote:Well done WRU. He would have had quite a few offers I would guess.

Apparently he went to New York to escape all the phone calls but kept in contact with Roger Lewis

~Great news for us