Shaun Edwards confirms his coaching future is likely to be in France

Shaun Edwards' international coaching future looks set to be in France after the Rugby World Cup. Edwards will leave his assistant coach role following the tournament, ending a 12-year stint with Wales.

The former Wigan rugby league star has been a key figure in plotting four Six Nations title triumphs, three Grand Slams and a World Cup semi-final appearance.

He was poised to make a post-World Cup return to Wigan as head coach, but that arrangement was announced as officially being off earlier this year. He rejected a new Welsh Rugby Union contract.

France - and a role with the national team - has been speculated as his next destination for several months.

Defence specialist Edwards announced his likely move to France on Monday, adding that there were "a few things to sort out there, so it's not definite."

Asked if he would rather go into the World Cup in Japan, Edwards said: "I've gone into the last two World Cups knowing if we don't do well I will have no job afterwards.

"So I prefer to be on edge. I used to sign one-year contracts at Wigan sometimes."

The French Rugby Federation has so far made no announcement regarding any swoop for Edwards, but FRF president Bernard Laporte is a known admirer of the 52-year-old Lancastrian.