Edwards turns down England job

Shaun Edwards has rejected an offer of a role in the England senior coaching set-up.

Shaun Edwards has rejected an offer of a role in the England senior coaching set-up.

According to the BBC, Wales' defence coach is believed to have met with would-be England manager Martin Johnson on Wednesday.

But Edwards is believed to have turned a deaf ear to the offer, preferring to continue his roles as Wales assistant and as Head Coach at club side Wasps.

Wasps and the Welsh Rugby Union are said to be on the verge of concluding a deal to secure Edwards' services through to the 2011 World Cup.

Overlooked by the England senior set-up in January, Edwards turned down a role with the Saxons to take up a part-time post with Wales.

In teaming-up with close friend Warren Gatland, Edwards was an integral part of the Wales' new coaching setup that turned their fortunes around to win the Grand Slam.

Although he does not presently have a contract with the WRU, he is believed to have a verbal agreement with Gatland to continue until at least 2010.

New rules on club and country commitments being brought in by the Rugby Football Union would have ruled out the possibility of the former rugby league star continuing as coach of Wasps had he been interested in the England position.

Wales have welcomed Edwards' ambition to be part of next year's Lions tour to South Africa.