Shaun Edwards embraces ‘risk’ move to take Wigan Warriors job as Phil Vickery rues English rugby’s loss

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Shaun Edwards admitted that he has taken a risk by turning his back on a potential ‘safe’ job in rugby union in order to return to Wigan Warriors in a sport that does not give head coaches long to show their credentials. The 51-year-old will leave his role as Wales defence coach following next year’s Rugby World Cup to move back to the club that he spent 15 years with during a standout rugby league career, having won 25 major trophies with Wigan and captained them during their most dominant spell in the club’s history with eight consecutive Challenge Cup final wins between 1988 and 1995. open image in gallery Phil Vickery worked under Edwards at Wasps and on the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour He was also in contention to join Eddie Jones’ current set-up following the exit of Paul Gustard – who beat Edwards to the Harlequins director of rugby role – but the Australian has elected to appoint former All Blacks coach John Mitchell instead. As a result, Lenagan has appointed former Wigan player Lam on a short-term deal, with the former Papua New Guinea international set to leave NRL side Sydney Roosters to take charge of the Super League side next season once Wane departs for a new role with the Scottish Rugby Union.