Ex-Wigan Warriors star Shaun Edwards reveals why he has moved close to Super League rivals

Shaun Edwards has been the connoisseur of both rugby league and rugby union throughout his playing and coaching career.

After an incredible time in the 13-man code with Wigan Warriors, Edwards swapped league for a 15-man coaching career with a brilliant spell at Wales RU followed up by a superb current period as the French national side’s defence coach.

In taking up that role, Edwards moved to the European mainland and specifically to the south in Perpignan to be near the Catalans Dragons.

“Catalans dragons was the reason I came to live in this area because I knew there would be English-speaking people here at first to help us integrate,” Edwards said.

“They have been fantastic – we go to the matches, all the family, and it’s a real family atmosphere.”

Edwards also had high praise for the job that head coach Steve McNamara is doing and referenced the 2021 Grand Final as a sign of the club’s hard work paying off.

“The job that Steve McNamara and his staff have done over the years has been remarkable and I think they are definitely one of the best teams in the tournament at the moment.

“I think they were a little bit hard done by in the Grand Final, which I’m allowed to say as I’m no longer in the game!

“But to get to the Grand Final and the way the team has been developing has been remarkable.”