Edwards not done with Welsh Rugby yet as consultancy role announced

Wales assistant coach, Shaun Edwards, will link up with the Ospreys this season in a consultancy role, it was confirmed last night.

The former Wasps head coach, and Wigan Rugby League legend, will combine his role with his ongoing duties with the Welsh Rugby Union, working exclusively with the Ospreys at regional level.

His first involvement will see him joining the traveling party heading to Portugal for a training camp this week, ahead of the next pre-season fixture, versus Saracens in London on Thursday 23rd August.

Ospreys Head Coach, Allen Clarke, is excited about Edwards being part of the coaching group for the coming season.

Continue reading below...

"Shaun is a world class coach" said Clarke.

"I wanted to bring him in because we know his strengths and how they will complement the existing coaching team here at the Ospreys. His knowledge and experience is unrivalled and his CV speaks for itself. I’m delighted to have him working alongside myself and, in particular, Brad Davis, complementing the excellent work that Brad is doing with the squad.

"He knows a large number of the squad already through their involvement with the national set-up and has a good understanding of what we want to achieve day to day and across the season.

"I think this appointment is a hugely positive one for both the Ospreys and the WRU, and is a reflection of the direction Welsh rugby is heading, with a clear understanding that we are all stronger as entities working in collaboration. We are extremely grateful to the Union for facilitating it."

Shaun Edwards said:

"I'm looking forward to linking up with the Ospreys this week and getting down to work with the players and the coaches at the Region.

"For me it is a great opportunity to work alongside some great players, a lot of which I know from their time with Wales but also to work with players hands on who I know a lot about but haven't been out on the training pitch with.

"The Ospreys are a region with a lot of history and pride and under Allen they are ambitious and I'm looking forward to playing my part."

The Welsh Rugby Union commented: "It is great for the game in Wales that Shaun is linking up with the Ospreys for the forthcoming season.

"It allows for great continuity between the Senior National Management and the coaching team at the Ospreys and is an extension of the work our national coaches do across the four Regions throughout the season."