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Rugby Union

Coach Edwards signs new three-year contract with Wales

10/04/2008

Shaun Edwards has taken himself out of the running for any coaching role with England by signing a new three-year contract with Wales.

The 41-year-old was in high-demand after working brilliantly alongside Welsh head coach Warren Gatland in leading the country to Six Nations Grand Slam glory last month.

Reports claimed that Edwards had met with England legend Martin Johnson, who is favourite to be named national team manager, but Edwards has decided to stay with Wales until the 2011 World Cup and will continue to coach Wasps for those three years as well.

"I am delighted that this deal secures my future with Wales until 2011," said Edwards.
"I am extremely grateful to the management of both Wasps and the Welsh Rugby Union for giving me this opportunity to work with these two marvellous teams.

"I can now focus all my energy on achieving a lot more success with both teams on the field where it matters most.

"My loyalty to Wasps is undiminished and I have already formed an extremely close bond with the Welsh team and the Welsh fans.

"There has been a lot of speculation about my future, but I feel very excited about working with my co-coaches and back room staff within the Welsh set-up," added the former Great Britain rugby league star.

Edwards will now concentrate on trying to help Wasps to the Guinness Premiership title, and will then join up with Wales for the summer tour to South Africa.