Shaun Edwards has dismissed reports questioning his commitment during his final season with France as "absolute nonsense" and revealed he has spoken to the Rugby Football Union about a potential role with the men's team.
The seven-time Six Nations-winning defence coach left the French set-up over the summer and, earlier this month, joined England Women's coaching staff as a consultant for their WXV Global Series campaign. His exit came amid accusations that he lacked "focus, concentration and commitment" and "was no longer fulfilling his role".
No bad feelings towards France
In the wake of his departure, Edwards said there were "no bad feelings" towards Fabien Galthie or France's governing body, and insists that is still the case. In a new interview, he dismissed reports about his commitment as "a load of c***."
"When I visit countries, it is really important to enjoy the differences, respect the culture and most of all, remember that you are a guest in their country," he told The Telegraph. "That is a big part of what I am. There are no bad feelings from me at all. I knew it was never a forever job, and I'd like to think I did a decent job for them."
He added: "When I first came, people said: 'Why are you going to France?' And I said: 'I think I can help.' And I think I have done. I think France was good for me and I think I've been good for France and hopefully left them in a better place than when I came. They hadn't won the trophy for [nearly] 10 years, had they? Now it has been one Grand Slam and two other Six Nations in five years."
Commitment questioned
On his focus and commitment being questioned, the former Wales defence coach said: "That is absolute nonsense. I have passed every medical that I have ever had. You can see it yourself. It is just not true. Anyone who knows me knows it is a load of c***."
He explained: "I think the fact that sometimes I am a bit of a loner, I just walk around on my own, that people maybe think I am daydreaming. I walk around the pitch quite a bit, thinking. I don't like being inside. I am of Irish descent, and we don't like sitting inside doing nothing all day. We like being outside walking, even if it is raining. My dad was the same."
Edwards added: "I think it is probably a bit different for them to understand, [people] who are more used to being in groups. But it is OK to be on your own, to have a good think to yourself and about what your next strategy is. The one thing I think is great about rugby is everybody's welcome. As long as you are yourself, and you don't disrespect your team-mates. Whether you're a man or woman, what colour your skin is, what religion you are, doesn't matter. You will be judged on two things: are you any good and are you a good team-mate? I think it is really important that we keep that."
England men's role speculation
Edwards' new role with England Women has led to speculation that it could pave the way to him taking up a role with Steve Borthwick's men's team after years of being linked. He was previously asked to become England defence coach by then-head coach Andy Robinson in 2006, while he turned down an opportunity to coach England Saxons two years later as he joined Warren Gatland's Wales set-up.
While an opportunity to join Borthwick's staff before next year's Rugby World Cup now looks unlikely, the 59-year-old admits that he has spoken to the Rugby Football Union and still has a burning ambition to land another major international job in the men's game.
"Absolutely, yes, and they would be getting a very motivated and ambitious coach," he said when quizzed on whether he would be interested in taking on another big Test job. "I would like to think I am a better coach now than I have ever been. I am very determined and it would be nice to win the Six Nations with a third team, having done it with Wales and France. I love the Six Nations. Anything like that I would be very, very open to."
He added: "But I am not a person who badgers for a job that someone already has. England already have a defence coach, he has got a family to feed. I have spoken to people at the RFU, and they are happy with the staff so that is obviously not going to happen in the immediate [future]. I am very excited to do [work with] the women's team, that is my main priority."
