EDWARDS TO LEAVE WALES FOR FRANCE

SHAUN EDWARDS is set to join France after the World Cup, having turned down an extension to his Wales contract. The English defence coach, regarded as the best in the world, informed Warren Gatland and his WRU colleagues yesterday. His decision was hastened by a public blast from Gatland, who claimed the ongoing speculation was an unwelcome distraction. Last year Edwards (right) announced his decision to return to rugby league to coach his old team Wigan Warriors. But the 52-year-old pulled out and then held talks with Wasps, Leicester, Wales and France. Edwards informed Wasps last week that he wanted to remain in Test rugby and now he is set to take up a four-year deal as defence coach of Les Bleus. ‘After more than 10 years with Wales, this has been an incredibly difficult decision to reach but I won’t be renewing my contract,’ said Edwards. ‘I would like to thank Warren and the WRU for the opportunity I have had working with the national team. ‘We have won four Six Nations titles during my time but I sincerely hope and believe that the best days are yet to come and I am focused on seeing what we can achieve in Japan.’ Edwards held talks with incoming Wales coach Wayne Pivac, who will replace Gatland after the World Cup. ‘When Shaun’s availability post RWC recently became apparent we worked with him to offer him a new contract which he was happy with,’ said Pivac. ‘Shaun has decided not to take that contract.’ Edwards will work alongside former France captain Fabien Galthie, who is succeeding Jacques Brunel as Les Bleus’ head coach after the World Cup.