Edwards agrees deal to stay with Wales

Shaun Edwards is set to finalise a deal to stay on as Wales defence coach despite agreeing to become Wigan head coach from next season.

The 52-year-old verbally agreed a three-year contract to take charge of the Super League champions from 2020 at the end of last year.

However after Wales won the Six Nations, Edwards became hot property and decided to leave his options open after not officially signing anything with the Warriors.

And now the outcome of this saga looks to be coming to an end, from Edwards point of view anyway, with a lucrative new deal set to be signed with the Welsh national team.

The announcement will likely add increasing pressure to Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan who has been criticised for his handling of the situation.

Despite Edwards clearly unwilling to commit to the club, Lenagan stated they would wait for his decision which was greeted with disapproval from the supporters.

Wigan are now left without a head coach for next season, with current boss Adrian Lam having a difficult first three months in charge.

The Warriors are only two points clear of bottom-club Leeds and host arch-rivals and Super League leaders St Helens on Good Friday.

It’s unclear whether Lenagan will offer Lam a longer contract or look elsewhere for a new coach, with results over the next few weeks likely to be the deciding factor.