Shaun Edwards, a highly decorated coach known for his defensive expertise in the men’s game, has joined the England women’s rugby coaching setup. This appointment marks the first time the 59-year-old has worked within women’s rugby. His role is currently defined as a consultancy position that will last through the duration of the WXV Global Series.

England head coach John Mitchell publicly welcomed the addition, characterizing Edwards’ credentials as "exceptional" and noting his extensive experience at the highest levels of international rugby. Edwards has previously held prominent coaching roles with the Wales and France men’s national teams, where he gained a reputation for building formidable defensive structures.

Edwards has already begun working with the squad. His immediate focus is preparing the team for their upcoming match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium this Saturday. Following the home fixture, he is scheduled to travel with the team to North America for the remainder of the WXV series, which includes matches in Canada and the United States. While the appointment is framed as a significant boost for the Red Roses, the long-term nature of his involvement beyond the current tournament has not been specified.