EDWARDS SET FOR DRAGONS

SHAUN Edwards is lined up to overhaul the Dragons’ defence in what would be a major coup for the struggling Rodney Parade outfit.

The Wales assistant is earmarked to join Bernard Jackman’s management team on a part-time basis as the region attempt a revival next season after recording just two wins in the 2017-18 campaign.

Edwards’ involvement could be announced this week and will be a huge boost for the Dragons on top of a player recruitment drive which has seen the capture of, among others, Wales stars Ross Moriarty and Richard Hibbard.

Edwards has been working at the Blues on a consultancy basis this season and the positive impact he has had at the Arms Park has been evident as the capital city side stormed to European Challenge Cup glory and won back their Champions Cup status via a big improvement in performances and results since the turn of the year.

But now the former rugby league icon looks to be moving east, with the WRU-owned Gwent outfit needing all the help they can get.

South African Handre Marnitz has overseen the Dragons defence this season, but it’s been porous to say the least with a whopping 94 tries conceded in Guinness PRO14 fixtures alone.

Only the hapless Southern Kings leaked more.

Edwards was reportedly interviewed for the head coach’s position at Harlequins earlier this month and has since been linked not only with a move to join Eddie Jones’ England set-up but also the vacant post at his old league stomping ground Wigan Warriors.

His Wales colleague Rob Howley brushed aside that speculation last Wednesday, saying Edwards’ future was his own business and that his commitment on the training ground remained total.

The news Edwards is staying in union and will continue to bring his expertise to bear on the national squad, as well as the one region most in need of improvement, will come as a significant shot in the arm for the Welsh game.