'I'm disappointed with Wayne Pivac's comments - he has no idea what my salary is in France'

Shaun Edwards has hit back at Wayne Pivac after the incoming Wales coach suggested on Tuesday that the reason the current defence coach snubbed a WRU contract offer was “probably a financial one”.

Edwards is believed to be considering a four-year offer from France after he turned down a two-year deal with Wales to work under Pivac once Warren Gatland steps away from the helm following the World Cup in Japan.

Pivac addressed the matter at his weekly media conference ahead of Scarlets’ European qualification play-off versus Ospreys next Saturday in Swansea, stating: “We had some talks with Shaun and they were productive, but we did not quite get it over the line. It is an individual choice and probably a financial one.”

The rumbustious Edwards, though, has taken issue with Pivac’s accusation, contacting Welsh media on Wednesday to insists that money wasn’t a factor in his decision to move on from Wales when the Gatland era concludes.

In a statement issued to WalesOnline, Edwards wrote: “I’m disappointed with Wayne Pivac’s comments – he has no idea what my salary is in France.

“The Wales team is on the greatest run in the history of Welsh rugby with 14 international victories in a row.

“We have recently won the Grand Slam and a fourth Six Nations title under our head coach Warren Gatland.

“I have been a part of them and have given Wales 12 years of loyal service, enjoying my time here immensely and having a great rapport with the Welsh public, who I love. There’s a lot to be excited about with the World Cup around the corner.”

It is believed that Edwards would have stayed with Wales had he been offered the full four-year deal he wanted. However, the chance to work with France through to the 2023 World Cup held sway, leaving the long-serving defence coach at odds with the Pivac regime.

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