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Edwards: Wasps coach

I would never comment on another man's job. England have got a very good coaching staff in place already.

Shaun Edwards
Quotes of the week

Shaun Edwards told The Rugby Club why he didn't get involved with the England coaching set-up after the World Cup.

Wasps coach Edwards is regarded as one of the finest talents in the game and is seen by many England fans as "the one that got away" after the RFU failed to convince him to work with the national side earlier this year.

Edwards was lined up to work with the England Saxons but failed to agree a deal and ended up taking up the job of Wales assistant coach alongside Warren Gatland - and guiding the principality to the Grand Slam.

Speaking as a special guest in The Rugby Club studio revealed he never had contact with the RFU's Director of Elite Rugby Rob Andrew.

He said: "I never spoke to Rob Andrew. I spoke to Kevin Bowring, who is a great friend of mine and a great mentor of mine about the possibility of taking the Saxons over.

"Unfortunately the deal was that I couldn't select my own staff etc and in the end it worked out well for me to go to Wales.

"I have no hard feelings towards Rob or towards England."

When asked what he would do if England put a big-money offer on the table to lead them to the next World Cup he refused to be drawn, insisting he did not want to link himself with Brian Ashton's job.

Hypothetical

"You're very good at asking very hypothetical questions," he told Simon Lazenby.

"Personally, I would never comment on another man's job. England have got a very good coaching staff in place with John (Wells), (Mike) Ford and Brian (Ashton).

"I'm very happy with Wales and I think it's very important in life that you're happy with the people you're working with.

"I'm very happy with the guys I work with.

Edwards was, however, happy to discuss the impact of Danny Cipriani following his debut for England against Ireland.

Edwards has overseen Cipriani's development at Wasps and says he has the potential to be an exceptional player.

He said: "I only saw the first 10 minutes of the England game and I saw Danny leading the team verbally in the huddle, which is something we've worked on very hard with him.

"He's improved massively as a leader. I always use Alex King as a benchmark he has to get to and he's not there yet in regard to leading the team around the park.

"With Danny's great range of skills, his speed and his quickness of thought, if he can add the leadership skills of Alex King then you'll have some player."