Wales defense coach Edwards quits Wigan job

(Reuters) – Wales defense coach Shaun Edwards has reversed his decision to become head coach of Wigan Warriors at the end of the season, the English Super League club said on Monday.

The rugby union team announced last August that Edwards, 52, would be the hometown club’s new coach on a three-year deal after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

However, British media have reported that Edwards is set to extend his 11-year stay in Wales after winning this year’s Six Nations Grand Slam as part of Warren Gatland’s backroom staff.

“I will not be taking on the head coaching role at Wigan due to my lack of preparation,” Edwards said in a statement issued by Wigan.

“The preparations for the World Cup have been brought forward by a month and as a result I will not be able to spend eight weeks in Australia as planned in rugby league.

“I feel that Wigan need a more experienced head rugby coach than myself to give the club and the people of Wigan the best possible team.”

Edwards has helped Wales win three Six Nations Grand Slam crowns since joining as defense coach in 2008.

He was part of the British & Irish Lions coaching team on the 2009 tour to South Africa.

Edwards played as a scrum-half and flyhalf for Wigan from 1983-97, helping the club win 37 major trophies, including eight consecutive Challenge Cups.

He retired in 2000 and moved into the union as coach with English club Wasps, leading them to European Cup victory in 2007.

(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)