Shaun Edwards: Wales defence coach to leave after 2019 Rugby World Cup

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 will leave the Wales national team following the 2019 Rugby World Cup later this year, it has been confirmed. Defence coach Edwards was set to leave rugby union in favour of a return to league as coach of the Wigan Warriors when his contract expires at the end of the tournament, before a dramatic late U-turn. “We have won four Six Nations titles during my time with Wales, but I sincerely hope and believe that the best days are yet to come and I am fully focused on seeing what we can achieve in Japan.” Gatland has welcomed the clarity on Edwards' Wales future, although speculation over his destination after Japan 2019 will persist. Edwards will leave Wales later this year "Shaun has been an important part of the Wales set up over the past 11 years for what has been a hugely rewarding time for Welsh rugby," Gatland said.