Edwards an ambitious right-hand man for Gatland

A CENTRAL figure in Warren Gatland's success at Wasps was Shaun Edwards, whose co-opting onto the Welsh backroom ticket as defence coach was quite a coup for Wales. The 41-year-old ex-rugby league legend had been frustrated by his lack of opportunities in the England set-up, where he was offered a role with the English Saxons, and is keen to be part of next year's Lions tour.

Together, the two men took Wasps from last place in the English Premiership to champions and European Challenge Cup winners in their first full season together, followed by a Heineken European Cup-Premiership double the following season and a third Premiership title 12 months later. Edwards is now first-team coach under Ian McGeechan at Wasps, who landed another European Cup last season.

Born in Wigan, Edwards followed his father into rugby league; Jack Edwards was a successful halfback with Warrington. Edwards signed for Wigan for £35,000 on his 17th birthday having captained England Schools Under-16 in both rugby union and rugby league.

Recently voted the fourth-best rugby league player of all time, Edwards scored 1,140 points in 467 appearances for Wigan, winning the Challenge Cup eight seasons in a row with the club and nine times in all, and eight Championship titles. He was the youngest player to play in a Challenge Cup final and the youngest to be capped by Britain. He played 36 times for Britain, scoring 16 tries, and played in the 1992 and 1995 World Cups. He also played professionally for Balmain Tigers, in Australia, London Broncos and Bradford Bulls.

Pleasantly surprised to land Edwards, even on a part-time basis, Gatland said: "I have made no secret of my admiration for him as a player, a coach and a loyal friend. He is an inspirational character and I know the squad players will get to know and respect him very quickly.

"He is an incredible defence coach but I think he is even better on attack. Shaun scored 325 tries for Wigan during his career, and he says he never beat anyone one-on-one, so he knows something about attack. He knows about running lines and support play. His attacking ability is something we will draw on but, as a defence coach, he is top drawer, one of the best in the world."