Shaun Edwards appointed Argentina defence coach on contract through 2027 World Cup
Shaun Edwards has been appointed as defence coach for Argentina on a contract that runs until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with the move announced on 9 October 2026. He will complete a consultancy role with England's women's team before joining Felipe Contepomi's backroom staff.
The 59-year-old appointment removes speculation that Edwards might join Steve Borthwick's England set-up and adds a high-profile figure to the Pumas' coaching group. Edwards is described in reports as one of rugby union's most decorated coaches, having helped Wales to four Six Nations titles and spending 12 years with the national side. He left his role as France men's defence coach earlier this year after assisting France to three Six Nations titles.
"I'm delighted to join Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff and the Argentina rugby team at the end of this month until the World Cup next year in Australia," said Edwards. "I've always admired the ability and quality of Argentine players and I hope to bring some of my international experience to the team during the next year," added the former Wigan rugby league great.
Former Argentina head coach and hooker Mario Ledesma has been appointed to take charge of the forwards and will work alongside Edwards on Contepomi's staff. The coaching appointments form part of a wider rebuild of the Pumas' staff ahead of a busy international period. Both Edwards and Ledesma are scheduled to join the squad at the end of October.
Argentina are due to play Ireland, Italy and France in Nations Championship matches in November. The Pumas, who have reached the World Cup semi-finals three times, have been drawn in a pool with Fiji, Spain and Canada for the tournament that takes place between 1 October and 13 November in 2027.
Edwards' club record includes winning four English titles and two European Champions Cups while on Wasps' staff. He said in March that he was interested in coaching in the Rugby Championship, turned down the chance to coach England in 2006 while grieving the death of his brother, and in 2008 chose a defence role with Wales rather than leading the then-Saxons. In 2021 he met Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney but, without a firm offer, signed a contract extension to remain with France.
Edwards and Ledesma will begin work with the Pumas at the end of October, ahead of Argentina's November Nations Championship fixtures against Ireland, Italy and France.