France coach who had huge public row with Wales set for Six Nations reunion

Wales face a tough task in their opening fixture of the , taking on a France side who will have aspirations of winning the entire competition.

Nevertheless, Warren Gatlan’s side will be hopeful of causing an upset in the opener to send shockwaves through the competition. Individual battles and tactics will dominate the thoughts of both sets of coaches, as well as a potentially awkward reunion.

Shaun Edwards, a key figure in Warren Gatland’s coaching team during his first tenure, is set to come face-to-face with some familiar figures on Friday, five years after he announced his departure from the Wales set-up, a decision that left Welsh fans reeling. Edwards is now associated with France and will be in the opposition dressing room for the opening Six Nations game.

Many believe that Wales made a significant error by letting such a dynamic force leave their coaching staff. It’s worth noting that Edwards was reportedly just a contract detail away from remaining with the team.

He had initially planned to join the rugby league team Wigan Warriors post the World Cup. However, in March 2019, it became apparent that he was withdrawing his commitment and was back on the market.

As calls for Edwards to remain with Wales grew louder, former head coach Wayne Pivac revealed that he had already had a conversation with him. Pivac shared that Edwards was on his shortlist for the position of Wales defence coach, but he ruled himself out after agreeing to join Wigan.

“Shaun was the first person I spoke with,” Pivac disclosed. “He told me early on that he was under pressure from Wigan and that the timeline they gave us was unrealistic. Shaun signed with Wigan and that ended our discussions.”

Pivac disclosed that Byron Hayward was already selected to fill Edwards’ shoes, yet the saga was far from over. Martyn Phillips, then at the helm of the WRU, revealed they’d be open to discussions with Edwards if he became available once more.

By April, it seemed Edwards would remain with Wales after further negotiations indicated a partnership with Hayward under Pivac’s leadership. However, a contract snag emerged when Edwards asked for a four-year term without a break clause, aiming to secure his position until the next World Cup in 2023.

The WRU, having implemented a two-year release clause for Pivac and his coaching staff, stood firm on offering identical conditions, which didn’t satisfy Edwards, who by then had garnered global interest. Ultimately, France presented Edwards with the deal Wales withheld, leading to the departure of the defensive mastermind behind Wales’ previous triumphs.

A public disagreement between Pivac and Edwards ensued, with Pivac hinting at financial motives behind Edwards’ decision, 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.”

In a heartfelt response to recent remarks, a clearly irked Edwards reached out to to make his stance clear, declaring: “I am 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. I suggest we just do our own jobs and concentrate on the World Cup.”

Pivac’s defence coach Hayward was dismissed in November 2020 and replaced by Gethin Jenkins. He was then let go when Gatland replaced the sacked Pivac, as Mike Forshaw was assigned as defence guru. Edwards, meanwhile, has had a positive impact in France and will be hoping to seek further revenge on his former team on Friday.

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