Shaun Edwards 'unlikely' to join Cardiff Blues, says Derwyn Jones

Shaun Edwards joined Wales' coaching team in 2008

Former Wales lock Derwyn Jones does not believe a role with the Cardiff Blues is an option for Shaun Edwards.

Edwards, whose contract as Wales defence coach ended after the World Cup, has quit as Wasps head coach to pursue other opportunities.

Roles with England and Wales have been mentioned, while Edwards has also been linked with the Blues.

"I don't believe Cardiff will be an option to be perfectly honest," Jones told BBC Sport Wales.

"I work as an agent and meet with clubs and I haven't heard any rumours about Cardiff.

"I don't think he'd be right for the Blues and I don't think that's going to be happening."

Former Great Britain rugby league international Edwards had combined his job at Wasps with a role as Wales' defence coach since 2008, helping them to the semi-finals of this year's Rugby World Cup.

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) group chief executive Roger Lewis has said that they were keen to retain Edwards.

But there is speculation about a possible role for Edwards in the England set-up, with head coach Martin Johnson and his staff yet to make a decision on their futures.

Jones believes the WRU must do everything to offer Edwards an extension to remain as a full-time member of head coach Warren Gatland's backroom team.

"That would be the obvious option I believe," added Jones.

"There is talk also of England. They will have seen the effect on the Welsh defence and I imagine they would want to speak with him as well.

"But we know he [Edwards] is good friends with Warren Gatland.

"I would imagine Roger Lewis will be the first in the queue to obtain his services. If he gets an approach from Wales I think he would be daft not to take it.

"There are always options to freshen things up and I would like to see someone new come in to give some momentum.

"But what were Wales' strengths during the World Cup? Fitness and defence.

"Defence is Shaun Edwards' responsibility and I would like to see more variety in the attack. I would look at Rob Howley's role."

There is also speculation regarding the future of Graham Henry after he stepped down as New Zealand coach following their World Cup win.

The former Wales and British & Irish Lions coach has admitted he is interested in coaching in Europe.

Henry has been linked with the vacant Blues position following Dai Young's departure to take over as London Wasps director of rugby in June.

Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell are in temporary charge and Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas insisted the region Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas insists the region has not offered Henry to become their chief.

However Jones, who played for Cardiff RFC, believes a role with the Blues would suit the 65-year-old.

"Graham Henry will have plenty of options," added Jones.

"He has declared he is happy to look abroad for a job and what better job than to return as director of rugby at Cardiff Blues.

"With two young coaches [Baber and Burnell] maybe the road they'll go down is to bring in someone to oversee the guys.

"They're highly rated by the players and they've come through the coaching system there.

"I think Cardiff is the type of team that needs somebody at the top who is strong and experienced.

"It will be interesting to see what happens there over the coming months."