Shaun Edwards to work with Ospreys

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards will link up with the Ospreys on a consultancy basis.
The Welsh Rugby Union has announced earlier in the year Edwards would begin working with the Dragons and Ospreys combined with his role with the national team. However, the Ospreys have negotiated a deal that will now see the World Cup-bound coach lend his services exclusively to the coaching set-up headed by Allen Clarke at the Liberty Stadium.
After missing out on the play-offs last season, Clarke revealed he was delighted to be able to utilise Edwards’ well of knowledge for the 2018-19 season.
“Shaun is a world class coach” said Clarke.
“I wanted to bring him in because we know his strengths and how they will complement the existing coaching team here at the Ospreys.
“His knowledge and experience is unrivalled and his CV speaks for itself. I’m delighted to have him working alongside myself and, in particular, Brad Davis (Ospreys defence coach), complementing the excellent work that Brad is doing with the squad.
“He knows a large number of the squad already through their involvement with the national set-up and has a good understanding of what we want to achieve day to day and across the season.
“I think this appointment is a hugely positive one for both the Ospreys and the WRU, and is a reflection of the direction Welsh rugby is heading, with a clear understanding that we are all stronger as entities working in collaboration. We are extremely grateful to the Union for facilitating it.”
Edwards future after the 2019 Rugby World Cup had been a source for much speculation over the course of the summer, since Wayne Pivac was announced as the man who would succeed Warren Gatland as Wales head coach at the end of the tournament.
Last week it was confirmed he would return to his old digs in rugby league with Wigan Warriors when his contract expires, ending what will be a 13-year stint at the helm alongside Gatland.
Keeping his head in rugby union, Edwards explained how his work at the Ospreys would be beneficial for both club and country.
“I’m looking forward to linking up with the Ospreys this week and getting down to work with the players and the coaches at the Region.
“For me it is a great opportunity to work alongside some great players, a lot of which I know from their time with Wales but also to work with players hands on who I know a lot about but haven’t been out on the training pitch with.