Edwards signs new Wales deal

London - Shaun Edwards has signed a new four-year contract as Wales assistant coach, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced on Thursday.

Edwards, 49, has been a member of head coach Warren Gatland's coaching team since 2008, contributing to three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, and the run to the semi-finals at the 2011 World Cup.

"As a coach it is fantastic to work alongside such a dedicated and talented group of players and to be part of a strong management team," Edwards, a former rugby league great, said in a WRU press release.

"Warren has assembled a great team off the field and it's a great environment.

"For me it is great to have signed through until 2019, but as I always have done, my focus is always on the next match and the next competition, which for us is the Six Nations."

Defence specialist Edwards and Gatland first worked together in 2002 when they linked up at Wasps.