The rugby world is buzzing after former England stars Mike Tindall and James Haskell made a stunning plea for Shaun Edwards to join the England coaching setup—just as the defensive mastermind walks away from France amid whispers of internal turmoil.
On their hit podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, the ex-England duo turned up the heat, suggesting Edwards could be the missing piece for Steve Borthwick’s squad. The 59-year-old reportedly parted ways with the French national team last month after sources claim his focus and commitment had been called into question behind closed doors.
“I have a very, very small intuition that Shaun Edwards might end up with England,” Haskell said, practically daring the Rugby Football Union to make a move. “If you had someone like that in the mix—someone who, in short time periods, gets the best out of a team emotionally and defensively—his strategies work fast. He’s extremely smart. He understands how to connect, how to create a fun, aggressive environment. He mobilizes the mob.”
Insiders close to the French camp told L’Equipe that Edwards’ exit was triggered by a meeting last month where concerns over “lack of focus, concentration, and commitment” were raised. “The last Six Nations was a revelation that Edwards was no longer fulfilling his role,” one source allegedly said. “It couldn’t continue like that until the 2027 World Cup.”
But while England fans are reportedly buzzing at the possibility, the RFU has yet to confirm any interest. Borthwick appears firmly backed by the union, leaving Edwards in coaching limbo—unless a dramatic shake-up is brewing behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, across the Irish Sea, another England-born coaching legend is making headlines. Andy Farrell, the former rugby league star turned Ireland head coach, has committed to the nation through the 2031 World Cup. Haskell called Farrell a “born winner” who sees opportunity in Ireland’s young talent pipeline. “He’s done a great turnaround, from where Ireland were to being World Cup contenders, to a dip, and now back near where they want to be,” Haskell said.
With Ireland desperate to break their quarterfinal curse—eight heartbreaking exits in World Cups—Farrell’s long-term commitment is being hailed as a massive power move. “That’s a massive sign of intent,” Haskell added. “He must see an opportunity there because he would have been in high demand.”
As for Edwards, the clock is ticking. Will England swoop for a defensive genius who transformed France from a defensive joke into a powerhouse? Or will the RFU stay the course, leaving fans wondering what could have been?
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