Renowned defence strategist Shaun Edwards has put pen to paper on a contract with Argentina that will keep him with the Pumas through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, effectively ruling out any prospect of joining Steve Borthwick's England coaching setup.
The 59-year-old is currently serving as a consultant with England's Red Roses under John Mitchell, a role that concludes following their WXV Global Series fixture against the United States on October 30. He will then transition directly into his new position with Argentina, working through their Nations Championship matches in Europe this November and continuing throughout 2027 until the World Cup concludes.
Edwards' appointment alongside returning forwards coach Mario Ledesma was announced by Argentina's Rugby Union on October 9, with both men joining head coach Felipe Contepomi's backroom team. According to AFP, the appointments represent a significant coup for the southern-hemisphere nation as they prepare for their World Cup campaign.
The move brings an end to Edwards' tenure with France, where he was dismissed earlier this year following their Six Nations triumph. During his time with Les Bleus since 2020, he contributed to title-winning campaigns in 2022 (which included a Grand Slam), 2025 and 2026. Head coach Fabien Galthie revealed in June that he intended to overhaul the backroom staff despite their recent success, leading to Edwards' unexpected departure in the wake of their March championship.
Edwards' appointment with Argentina fulfils an ambition he expressed publicly. According to BBC Sport, Edwards indicated in March that he harboured interest in coaching within the Rugby Championship, the prestigious southern-hemisphere tournament contested by Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
This represents only the fifth major coaching role in Edwards' distinguished 25-year career, following positions with the Red Roses, Wasps, Wales and France. His track record is formidable: he spent 11 years alongside Warren Gatland in the Wales setup between 2008 and 2019, securing Six Nations titles in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2019. He also served as defence coach for the British and Irish Lions during their 2009 tour of South Africa. At Wasps, Edwards won four English titles and two Champions Cups while on the coaching staff, according to BBC Sport. The former Great Britain rugby league captain and Wigan Warriors legend brings unparalleled experience at the highest levels of both codes.
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions to his coaching team.
Mario and Shaun arrive at Los Pumas with enormous international experience. They know what it means to compete at the highest level and can contribute a lot to the team. With the World Cup just a year away, they will help us continue to grow as a team and prepare in the best possible way for what's to come.
Edwards himself conveyed his excitement about the opportunity.
I'm thrilled to be joining Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff, and the Argentinian team at the end of this month and through to next year's World Cup in Australia. I've always admired the skill and quality of Argentinian players, and I look forward to contributing my international experience to the team over the next year.
Ledesma, who previously served as Argentina's head coach between 2018 and 2022, expressed his own enthusiasm for returning to the role.
I am honored and very grateful for the opportunity to work with Los Pumas again. I am eager for us to get together and start working with the players and the staff.
Argentina's World Cup preparation
Argentina have been drawn with Fiji, Spain and Canada in their 2027 World Cup pool, according to BBC Sport. The Pumas will begin their Nations Championship campaign in November with three consecutive fixtures: Ireland in Dublin on November 6, Italy on November 14 and France on November 21.
Edwards' commitment to Argentina through the World Cup eliminates any possibility of him joining the England men's coaching team under Borthwick, ending months of speculation about potential backroom appointments for the national side.
