Shaun Edwards has been accused of lacking "focus, concentration and commitment" as he prepares to leave his role as defence coach of France, according to French media reports.
Edwards on verge of exit
The former Wales defence coach is on the verge of being removed from Fabien Galthié's backroom team just 15 months before the Rugby World Cup in Australia. This development has sent shockwaves through the rugby world, given France's successful period under Edwards, which includes three Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam in 2022.
According to French sports daily L'Equipe, doubts within the France camp about Edwards had been growing for some time, with the Englishman allegedly losing "influence" and "clout". It had reportedly been a regular topic of conversation within French clubs since 2024.
Revelation in Six Nations
"The last Six Nations Championship was simply a revelation or confirmation that Edwards was no longer fulfilling his role. It couldn't continue like that until the 2027 World Cup," a well-placed source told L'Equipe under anonymity.
Despite being under contract until 2027, Edwards was not present when the coaching staff met in Narbonne and Montpellier last month. It was during this meeting that Galthié allegedly announced Edwards would no longer be part of France's coaching team.
Negotiations underway
L'Equipe reports that discussions between the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and Edwards' representatives to reach an amicable agreement are currently taking place. It remains unclear what Edwards' next move would be, with the rugby league legend having previously voiced his desire to coach one of the big Southern Hemisphere nations.
However, he has never coached England, and there are plenty of people across the Severn Bridge who would want to see the 59-year-old coach the land of his birth. A return to Wales is extremely unlikely, with Steve Tandy having recently appointed Peter Murchie as full-time defence coach.
