Former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has been unveiled as part of France’s backroom staff for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

Edwards left his Wales role after 12 years following the 2019 World Cup and will now be part of Les Bleus as a defence coach.

Edwards will work alongside team manager Raphael Ibanez under Fabien Galthie, who replaced Jacques Brunel has France’s head coach.

‘I’m happy to join the France adventure alongside Fabien and Raphael,’ said Edwards.

‘My goal is to maximise the speed of defence play. This method has already been successful in the past.’

Edwards, a Wigan and Great Britain rugby league great, had agreed a deal with Wigan Warriors in August 2018 but said the Super League club never produced a contract for him to sign.

The 53-year-old former England rugby league international was part of a Wales coaching team that won four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams, and also helped head coach Warren Gatland guide them to two World Cup semi-finals.

France kick off their campaign against World Cup runners-up England on 2 February, with Edwards’ Welsh reunion scheduled for 22 February at the Millennium Stadium.

Photo: AP