Defence Guru Shaun Edwards Joins Pumas for World Cup Push

Argentina have pulled off a major coaching coup, appointing defence guru Shaun Edwards to Felipe Contepomi's staff through to the end of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia. Former Pumas head coach Mario Ledesma also joined on Friday as forwards coach.

Edwards will begin his new role at the end of October, before the Nations Championship resumes in November, with the Pumas building toward a World Cup just a year away. "They know what it means to compete at the highest level and can contribute a lot to the team," Contepomi said. "With the World Cup just a year away they will help us continue to grow as a team and prepare in the best possible way for what is to come."

The 59-year-old is one of the most decorated coaches in the game. A rugby league great turned union mastermind, he has won the men's Six Nations seven times — four of them with Wales under Warren Gatland — and has been France's defence coach since 2020, helping Les Bleus to a Grand Slam in 2022 and back-to-back titles in 2025-26. He has most recently been working in a short-term consultancy role with the world champion England women on their WXV tour of North America.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff, and the Argentinian team," Edwards said. "I've always admired the skill and quality of Argentinian players." With Ledesma's forwards expertise alongside him, the Pumas' set-piece and defensive spine just got a serious upgrade.