Gatland responds to Edwards speculation as England rumours mount

Warren Gatland has spoken of his hope that Shaun Edwards will remain as Wales' defence coach through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but will not stand in his way if other opportunities arise.

Edwards has been a trusty lieutenant of Gatland since joining the New Zealander's backroom team in 2008, with Wales winning three Six Nations titles in that time.

The future of Edwards has been the topic of much debate, with England on the lookout for a new defence coach following Paul Gustard's decision to take the top job with Premiership side Harlequins.

It is reported that Edwards is a frontrunner for the vacancy, while he has also been linked with the head coach position at Super League side Wigan Warriors.

Addressing Edwards' future, Gatland told reporters: "He's committed to us until the World Cup.

"But if other opportunities come along, he needs to consider those because he's out of contract after the World Cup.

"There are two or three world-class defensive coaches out there and he's definitely one of them."

Last month Edwards was linked to a part-time coaching role with the Dragons. A source close to the Dragons’ set-up confirmed to RugbyPass that Edwards is set to take up a part-time role with the Newport based side, which would see him present at the club once a week.

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The move would be seen as the ‘icing on the cake’ of the Dragons rebuild.

RugbyPass understands that the 51-year-old would work alongside current defence coach Hendre Marnitz, who joined from the Bull Blues in 2017.

Edwards would work a similar manner to his consultancy work with the Cardiff Blues last season, and the move could rule out a role with England despite only being part-time. The Dragons are now WRU owned, and it could potentially create a conflict of interest for the Wigan born halfback.

Edwards, the most decorated player in rugby league history, has enjoyed an illustrious career both on and off the pitch.

After moving into coaching with Wasps he won the English Premiership on four occasions and every major trophy as a head coach.

Four of his six years at Wasps were alongside Warren Gatland and the duo linked up again with Wales in 2008. Edwards has since been integral to three RBS Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.

Dragons have serious ambitions to become a high performing region in Welsh rugby, on and off the pitch. Both Ross Moriarty and Richard Hibbard made their first appearances at Rodney Parade this week and will join a side that has seen major recruitment over the course of the season.