The bet already seems to be winning. With his shaved head, his wrinkled forehead and his little eyes that keep staring at players, Shaun Edwards is a little scary at first. But this Englishman, who arrived in the staff of the French rugby team in November 2019 to train the defense, has perfectly integrated into the XV of France.
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"It is made for competition"
Admittedly, this man in the shadow of the Blues still struggles to speak the language, but on the ground, he knows how to be understood. He multiplies the instructions, video sessions and briefings: the players are delighted. The general manager of the French team, Raphaël Ibañez, is too. "It's the heart that speaks when I talk about Shaun," he says. "He is someone who is made for competition, who is very precise and who obviously already appeals to players. He is happy to be there and this is only the beginning."
After the victory of the XV of France against England (24-17) Sunday, the French receive the Italians this weekend in Saint-Denis. "Shaun Edwards is made for this match", continues Raphaël Ibañez at the microphone of Europe 1. The main interested party says he is happy in France. "There is more sunshine than in England," concedes Shaun Edwards with humor.
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A British humor very present since when the former member of the staff of Wales affirms that the French "are good, that they progress enormously and that they are disciplined", he adds a small flat. "Except when it comes to elbowing." A reference to the quarterfinal of the 2019 World Cup that had pitted France against Wales and where the second row Vahaamahina was kicked out for a violent gesture of anti-play.