Edwards to join Ospreys for season

SHAUN Edwards will combine his final season of duties with Wales with working with the Ospreys.

Warren Gatland’s defence guru performed the same role with Cardiff Blues last season as they charged to glory in Europe’s Challenge Cup.

And four-time Celtic League champions Ospreys hope the Midas touch of Edwards rubs off on them and ends a period without silverware stretching back an unprecedented six years.

“Shaun is a world-class coach,” declared new Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke.

“I wanted to bring him in because we know his strengths and how they will complement the existing coaching team here at the Ospreys.

“His knowledge and experience is unrivalled and his CV speaks for itself.

“I’m delighted to have him working alongside myself and, in particular, Brad Davis (defence coach), complementing the excellent work that Brad is doing with the squad.

“He knows a large number of the squad already through their involvement with the national set-up and has a good understanding of what we want to achieve day to day and across the season.

“I think this appointment is a hugely-positive one for both the Ospreys and the WRU, and is a reflection of the direction Welsh rugby is heading, with a clear understanding that we are all stronger as entities working in collaboration.

“We are extremely grateful to the union for facilitating it.”

Englishman Edwards, who leaves Wales following next year’s World Cup in Japan to become head honcho at Wigan rugby league club, had also been linked with a part-time role with the Dragons.

But the former Wasps coach has committed to an exclusive consultancy role with the Ospreys.

His first involvement has seen him join the party heading to Portugal for a training camp this week, ahead of their next pre-season fixture, versus Saracens in London on August 23.

“I’m looking forward to linking up with the Ospreys and getting down to work with the players and the coaches at the region,” said Edwards.

“It’s a great opportunity to work alongside some great players, a lot of who I know from their time with Wales but also to work with players hands on who I know a lot about but haven’t been out on the training pitch with.

“The Ospreys are a region with a lot of history and pride. Under Allen they are ambitious and I’m looking forward to playing my part.”