Shaun Edwards Joins Argentina as Defence Coach
The former France and Wales defence specialist has signed a contract to coach Argentina through the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Tennis
Shaun Edwards has signed a contract to serve as defence coach for Argentina until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He left his role as France defence coach in summer 2026 after seven seasons.
Why it matters
Edwards is a well-known defensive specialist whose record with Wales under Warren Gatland makes his move to Argentina notable for the national side. The appointment places an experienced coach with a long international track record in charge of Argentina's defence ahead of a major tournament.
Edwards spent 12 years working with Warren Gatland at Wales, a period that produced four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams. His seven seasons as France defence coach add to a long international record, though the extraction does not give the contract value for the Argentina role.
The players
Shaun Edwards
Shaun Edwards is a former rugby league and union defence specialist who built a reputation for elite defensive coaching at several international teams.
Warren Gatland
Warren Gatland is a New Zealand-born coach who led Wales for an extended period and oversaw a run of Six Nations and Grand Slam success with Edwards on his staff.
The details
Edwards left France after seven seasons in summer 2026 and later signed a contract with Argentina as their defence coach through the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Earlier, he had signed a short-term contract with England Women under John Mitchell, and he was linked with the Fiji head coach job, while an offer to join Steve Borthwick's England men's team was turned down.
Timeline
2019: Warren Gatland left Wales and Wayne Pivac was appointed head coach instead of Edwards.
Summer 2026: Edwards left his France defence coach role after seven seasons.
End of the 2027 Rugby World Cup: Edwards' Argentina contract expires.
Season Trajectory
Edwards' move extends a pattern in which elite defensive coaches work across several international sides, following his Wales years with Gatland. Argentina's defensive setup now sits under a coach whose previous results include Wales' four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams.
Argentina's defensive structure is now under Edwards through the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which may shape how the team approaches its upcoming international fixtures. Fans following the national side can track how the defence performs under his direction.
The takeaway
Experienced defensive coaches often move between national teams when their contracts end, and Edwards' Argentina role gives him a fixed window through the 2027 Rugby World Cup to build a unit. Readers following rugby can watch how Argentina's defence develops over that period.
What happens next
Argentina's national team is preparing for the Nations Championship, with a match scheduled for 2026-11-02.
Further reading
For more on international coaching moves across sports, browse our Tennis coverage.
