Jeremy Guscott says the RFU's decision to employ Shaun Edwards is a "smart move" - and questioned whether his role with the women's team could yet see him help out with the men's national side.
Last month it was confirmed that Edwards, one of the most respected defence coaches in world rugby, would be taking up a position within the England Women's set-up as a consultant. Edwards left his role with France over the summer, with the dual-code legend keen to return to coaching as soon as possible. He will remain with the Red Roses until the end of their WXV Global Series campaign.
Guscott praises Edwards' coaching pedigree
Guscott lauded the move to bring in a man of Edwards' experience and believes he could well be of use to men's head coach Steve Borthwick.
"What we know is that Edwards’ coaching career in rugby union has been stellar, and that his part in all those titles, Welsh and French, is written into history - it’s indelible," he wrote in his Rugby Paper column. "What’s also pretty certain is that France’s loss will be to someone else’s benefit.
"That’s why the RFU announcement of Edwards joining the England Women’s team is a smart move, because I’m guessing that if he’s a consultant to the women he could also become a consultant to the men’s team.
"When you have that sort of experience and knowledge in your camp it’s a smart move, because you know someone else would snap him up!"
Edwards' France exit and Borthwick pressure
Guscott says he was surprised to see Edwards leave France considering his notable impact, stating "all that you can say is that the intricacies of French rugby politics can be hard to fathom". France's loss will be someone else's benefit, he added, and in the short term that will be England women.
He said ultimately it would be Borthwick's choice whether he brings in the Wigan native to bolster his coaching team but added that the England head coach will feel the heat should they have a poor autumn campaign. He concluded that his "gut instinct" would see Borthwick turn to Edwards should he feel the need to do so.
"If England don’t do well in this autumn’s Nations Championship matches, Borthwick will be under massive pressure," he added. "Although the stats of all the specialist coaches are there to be seen, the one who carries the can is still the head coach - and often the way international contracts are, they can go while the rest of their coaching team remain.
"I think that most countries in the world would have a conversation with Edwards, and they would have to ask the question: is his record better than anybody who’s already there?
"Shaun Edwards’ reputation speaks for itself, and my gut instinct is that Borthwick will bring him into the England camp if he thinks he needs him."
