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Rugby League

Edwards knocks back GB role

15/03/2007

Wasps head coach Shaun Edwards has removed himself from contention for the Great Britain rugby league coaching role.

The former Wigan star had been offered the chance to return to the 13-man code in the wake of Brian Noble's departure from the Lions post, but family commitments made the switch impossible.

"At the moment I have pulled myself out of the race for the Great Britain job. That is not to say it will not happen later but at this time it is not right," he told BBC Radio.

"I had a meeting with Richard [Lewis, Rugby Football League chairman] and we talked about the changes I would make if I took on the job.

"But I have a little boy and I need to stay in touch with him. If I were to do the job properly, I would need to live in the north in order to be hands-on. It would not be fair."

Edwards has been a major success since moving south to try his hand at union, clinching three successive Premiership titles at Adams Park between 2003 and 2005.

The RFL are now set to continue their search with an approach to Australian Shaun McRae as they attempt to fill the role full-time in preparation for the 2008 World Cup.

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