Shaun Edwards’ potential imminent availability has put rugby’s top nations on red alert a little over a year out from the next World Cup. 

The decorated defence coach is contracted to France until 2028, but reports in the country suggest he is set to depart from his role as Les Bleus assistant to Fabien Galthie. 

Edwards has been with France since 2020 having joined them from Wales. 

In total, he’s won seven Six Nations titles and four Grand Slams across stints with both countries. 

His incredible record means should he surprisingly depart Galthie’s set-up in the coming months, he is unlikely to be short of suitors if he wants to continue elsewhere. 

Edwards has been perennially linked with England over the years but has never been employed by the RFU despite talks between the two parties being held over the years – most recently as 2022. 

England head coach Steve Borthwick currently has Richard Wigglesworth, Joe El-Abd and Byron McGuigan on his staff who are all defence specialists, so there is no natural role for Edwards available at Twickenham. 

French publication L'Equipe reported Edwards’ likely departure and suggested he is set to be replaced by Gerald Bastide. 

Just under four years after entering administration and disappearing from PREM Rugby, Worcester lifted silverware by beating Bedford to win the Championship title. 

The 27-14 victory for Matt Everard’s Warriors doesn’t mean a return to the PREM with no promotion to the top division for now, though that is the club’s long-term ambition.