Edwards to coach London Irish

SHAUN Edwards will return to club coaching from next season after London Irish recruited the Wales defence coach on a part-time basis.

The 45-year-old has helped Wales to two RBS 6 Nations Grand Slams since being added to their coaching staff in 2008. His contract allows him a period of time to work with an Aviva Premiership club, and he will spend one day a week with the Exiles after returning from Wales’ summer tour to Australia.

Edwards is one of the most-decorated coaches in the game after a glittering spell at Wasps when they won Premiership titles in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2008, the Anglo Welsh Cup in 2006 and the Heineken Cup in 2004 and 2007.

“I’m excited at the opportunity of being involved in a Premiership club set-up again,” said Edwards.