WRU put block on Edwards Toulon role

WALES defence coach Shaun Edwards will not now be allowed to take on a role with top French club side Toulon.

It had been widely reported yesterday that Edwards (above) had been given the thumbs-up by Warren Gatland and the WRU to undertake a role which would have been in a career development capacity with the French rugby giants.

But the union revealed late last night it has subsequently decided to block Edwards from being allowed to take on the position with the three-time European champions.

In a statement released on Thursday evening, the WRU described the proposed role in the south of France as “an unacceptable compromise” of his Wales duties.

Former Great Britain rugby league international Edwards, 49, last year signed a new contract with Wales until after the next World Cup in Japan in 2019.

The WRU’s statement said: “Shaun will not be working with Toulon as he is a contracted employee of the WRU.

“Whilst we encourage coaching staff gaining experience in other environments, the scope of the opportunity at Toulon has changed and would represent an unacceptable compromise.

“Shaun remains committed to Wales up to RWC 2019.”

Under the arrangements, Edwards had been expected to report for Toulon duty on Tuesday next week. He would also have been prevented from having anything to do with the club in the fortnight prior to each of their Champions Cup clashes with the Scarlets.