Shaun Edwards driven by Six Nations glory ahead of 250th international

Shaun Edwards commemorates his 250th international appearance in rugby union and league, both as a coach and a player, this Saturday. He aims to mark this significant milestone by guiding France to victory in the Six Nations.

France currently holds a strong position for the championship as they prepare to face Scotland, following a decisive victory over the defending champions, Ireland, in Dublin last weekend.

At 58 years old, Edwards has been leading France's defensive strategies since 2019, after departing from the Welsh coaching staff. This weekend, he has the opportunity to secure his sixth Six Nations title.

"The Six Nations is your big business," Edwards communicated with AFP from the training facility of France located in southern Paris.

He began his Test career in the 13-man format as a teenager in 1985, representing Great Britain.

Additionally, he played a significant role in establishing his childhood club, Wigan, as a powerhouse in English domestic rugby league before transitioning to coaching in rugby union after retiring from playing.

Edwards joined the English club Wasps and later accompanied New Zealander Warren Gatland to Wales in 2008, where he secured four Six Nations titles and reached two Rugby World Cup semi-finals during an 11-year tenure.

"The answer is 100% no chance," Edwards said when asked if he thought he could ever reach the 250-Test milestone.

"I had some good times with Wales. Hopefully, we've got some more good times in the future with France."

Edwards transformed Wales' defense into one of the most formidable in international rugby. While he achieved numerous accolades, he regarded the victory over England at Twickenham during the 2015 World Cup as the pinnacle of his career, as it ensured their advancement to the quarter-finals.

"It's because it was in the World Cup, because I would have had no job if we had not beaten England," Edwards said.

"Winning against England was not the thing, but getting through the group."

The triumph was not only commemorated by the team and its supporters but also acknowledged by individuals of a higher purpose.

"I attend church weekly. The day following the match, I went to Mass, and the priest approached the altar and exclaimed, 'yes'!" recounted Edwards, raising his arms to imitate the clergyman's joy.

Edwards expressed his enthusiasm for potentially joining the coaching staff of the British and Irish Lions this summer.

However, the series in Australia coincides with France's tour of New Zealand in July.

"I was completely unaware that they were scheduled for the same time. I had no idea," Edwards remarked, having previously been part of the touring squad in 2009.

"My focus has been this Six Nations. I'm totally, 100% dedicated to the French team," the straight-talking coach added.

Les Bleus' hopes of a victory on Saturday were dealt a blow with superstar scrum-half Antoine Dupont ruled out for more than six months with a serious knee injury.

But France have strength in depth.

"I've been very lucky all my life. I've always worked with world-class players," Edwards, who lives near Perpignan with his family, said.

"What I've learned, or not learned, I already kind of knew it, is that even the best players want to get better.

"If you, as a coach, can help them get better, you're lucky there."

France's pursuit of a second Six Nations title under the leadership of Edwards and head coach Fabien Galthie faces a significant challenge from Scotland and their impactful captain, Finn Russell.

"We all know he's a bit of a genius with the ball in his hand," Edwards said.

"Well, a bit more than a genius. He's one of the best I've ever seen."