Edwards had no contact from England
WALES defence coach Shaun Edwards has admitted he was open to offers but received no approach from England chiefs before committing to renewing his contract.
Edwards, 45, was widely tipped as a likely addition to the England coaching set-up after his deal with the Wales Rugby Football Union expired last month.
But despite being inundated with interest – including from one Premiership club, thought to be Leicester, whom he hopes to work with outside of international commitments – Twickenham did not call.
“Wales is the only concrete offer I’ve had. I haven’t had any contact with anyone from England,” he said yesterday. “You’re always open to offers but I haven’t heard anything from the Rugby Football Union and I wouldn’t expect to. England’s coaches are still in place.”
Martin Johnson’s future as England manager remains in serious doubt following a disastrous World Cup, with suggestions he could quit as soon as this week.
Edwards, who helped Wales reach the semi-finals, added: “England have got a very good team of coaches already. They are Six Nations champions and they have played some great rugby in the last couple of years.”