Former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has joined Argentina's coaching staff until the end of next year's World Cup in Australia. The appointment was announced just weeks before the start of the second part of the Nations Championship in November, with Argentina set to face Ireland, Italy and France this autumn before the final weekend in London.
Edwards Leaves France Role
Felipe Contepomi's side will be boosted by the addition of Edwards, who left his role as France's defence coach over the summer. His departure came despite winning a seventh Six Nations title as a coach earlier in the year, bringing his seven years in France to a surprising end.
Having joined England Women's coaching team as a consultant in recent weeks, there was perhaps hope that Edwards would finally take on a job with his homeland's men's national team, especially following the news of Joe El-Abd's departure from Steve Borthwick's ticket after next year's World Cup.
Joining Los Pumas
Instead, the former rugby league great will join Los Pumas, with Argentina legend Mario Ledesma also joining their coaching staff. Ledesma, who previously worked as Argentina's head coach between 2018 and 2022, will look after the forwards, with Edwards taking on the defence.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff, and the Argentinian team at the end of this month and through to next year’s World Cup in Australia,” said Edwards. “I’ve always admired the skill and quality of Argentinian players, and I look forward to contributing my international experience to the team over the next year.”
Contepomi Welcomes New Additions
Speaking about the new additions to his coaching staff, Contepomi said: “Mario and Shaun arrive at Los Pumas with enormous international experience. They know what it means to compete at the highest level and can contribute a lot to the team. With the World Cup just a year away, they will help us continue to grow as a team and prepare in the best possible way for what's to come.”
The hiring of Edwards is something of a coup for Argentina as they look to once again challenge the later stages of the World Cup. Edwards had hinted towards a move to the southern hemisphere earlier in the year, after winning his third Six Nations title with France.
“I have an ambition to win a Rugby Championship, to be honest,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live back in March. “I would love to be involved with the All Blacks or Springboks or Argentina maybe. Most of the World Cup winners have come from the southern hemisphere, and I would love to be able to pit myself against the top teams like that.”
