Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
Steve Borthwick turns down Shaun Edwards' offer to join England staff
Shaun Edwards offered to help England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Head coach Steve Borthwick turned him down, saying he was happy with the existing coaching staff.
Edwards said he respected Borthwick's decision after they spoke by phone.
England's coaching set-up is already in place, with Richard Wigglesworth overseeing defence.
Edwards left France's staff earlier this year and has since joined Argentina's coaches through the tournament.
He is a highly decorated coach who helped Wales and France win Six Nations titles.
England will prepare for the World Cup without him, while Edwards is set to work with Argentina.
Shaun Edwards says England head coach Steve Borthwick turned down his offer to work with the team at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Edwards said Borthwick told him he was happy with England’s coaching staff and how things were going.
Edwards left his role with France earlier this year and has since signed with Argentina through the end of the World Cup.
England’s current defence coach is Richard Wigglesworth, supported by Byron McGuigan and Joe El-Abd.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will take place in Australia across October and November.
- Who
- Shaun Edwards offered to join England’s coaching staff; Steve Borthwick turned him down.
- What
- Edwards says he offered to work with England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, even as an assistant kit man.
- When
- Edwards says the conversation took place by phone; the date is not stated. The tournament is next year.
- Where
- Australia, where the 2027 Rugby World Cup will be held.
- Why
- Borthwick said he was happy with his staff and how things were going.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Edwards left his role with France.
Edwards took on a short-term role with England’s women’s team.
Edwards said Borthwick had turned down his offer to join England’s staff.
- World Cup
- 2027 tournament in Australia
- Edwards
- 60 years old
- Current England defence coach
- Richard Wigglesworth
- Supporting coaches
- Byron McGuigan and Joe El-Abd
- Edwards’ Argentina role
- Runs until the end of the 2027 World Cup
3 sources
What people are saying
I said to Steve he can make me assistant kit man and I'll be there, I'll be ready for work.
He said he was happy with his staff and the way things have been going, and I respected him for that.