Shaun Edwards eyes England coaching role

Former rugby league scrum-half Edwards joined Wasps in 2001

Shaun Edwards is ready to consider an England coaching role after bringing his 10-year spell at Wasps to a close.

Wales are also keen to snap up Edwards, who signed off as the Premiership side's head coach with Sunday's 24-13 defeat by Northampton.

His contract as Wales defence coach, which he combined with his Wasps job, expired after the World Cup.

Edwards, 45, said: "You consider any roles when you're a free agent. I'm here if anyone makes me an offer."

Edwards reached an agreement to leave Wasps after 10 years at the Premiership club in order to pursue other opportunities in the game.

His availability has increased speculation about a possible role in the England set-up, with head coach Martin Johnson and his staff yet to make a decision on their futures.

But the former Great Britain rugby league player revealed Wales, who gave him a coaching role in January 2008, want to extend his spell.

Edwards said: "I know Roger Lewis has made an approach and he's going to make an offer.

"You can only sign something when it's written down on paper so we will have to wait and see.

"It's been said I would coach old ladies stood at the bus stop because I enjoy coaching so much.

"Hopefully I will be back in the game pretty soon."

Wasps chief Chris Thomas insisted that finances were not behind Edwards' exit.

It is understood that the Wycombe-based side want to cut their wage bill after owner Steve Hayes put the club up for sale last month.

Thomas said: "It was a decision solely based on what is best for both parties with Shaun keen to test himself in a new environment."

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