Shaun Edwards reveals Borthwick talks as Argentina clear him to help Red Roses

Shaun Edwards sounded out England's men before he took a job with Argentina, and was told he was not needed. His new employers have now cleared him to carry on working with England's women.

Edwards has signed on as Argentina's defence coach under head coach Felipe Contepomi. The deal runs until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

About six weeks before he accepted that role, Edwards spoke to England men's head coach Steve Borthwick. The answer was that England were happy with the coaching staff they already had. Argentina were the first side to put a contract in front of him, and Edwards says he wants to be at the World Cup.

That has not ended his work with England altogether. Edwards has been a coaching consultant with the Red Roses, and he says Argentina have given him permission to keep helping them, including at the Women's Six Nations. Contepomi is in favour, telling Edwards that working with England's women will keep him sharp.

Edwards also made clear that no further work with the Red Roses has been agreed yet. "It's Sarah Hunter's job and there's no way I'll be badgering for her job. She's a friend of mine. But if I'm needed, I have Argentina's blessing," he said.

A record in the Six Nations

As a coach with Wales and France, Edwards has won seven men's Six Nations titles. France brought him in as a specialist defence coach in 2020, and he helped them to three of those titles before he left.

He makes no attempt to hide where he would like to add to that tally. "I make no secret that I'd like to represent England and I'd love to win a Six Nations. Maybe two or three," Edwards said.

A tough week for the Red Roses

The Red Roses are coming off a rare setback. Canada beat England 24-21 in Toronto on Friday 16 October, handing them their first defeat in four years and ending a 41-match unbeaten run of 40 wins and a draw. The two sides play again in Ottawa on Friday 23 October.