Wales defence coach Edwards takes role with Ospreys

London - Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has agreed to work with the Ospreys in a consultancy role. 

Edwards, who recently revealed he will become head coach of rugby league side Wigan in 2020, plans to combine the Ospreys role with his Wales duties. 

"For me it is a great opportunity to work alongside some great players, a lot of which I know from their time with Wales, but also to work with players hands on who I know a lot about but haven't been out on the training pitch with," he said. 

Former Ireland hooker Allen Clarke signed a three-year deal as Ospreys coach in April after taking charge a few months earlier following the departure of Steve Tandy. 

Edwards told the Welsh Rugby Union website: "The Ospreys are a region with a lot of history and pride and under Allen they are ambitious and I'm looking forward to playing my part." 

In its statement announcing the appointment, the WRU said: "It is great for the game in Wales that Shaun is linking up with the Ospreys for the forthcoming season. 

"It allows for great continuity between the senior national management and the coaching team at the Ospreys, and is an extension of the work our national coaches do across the four regions throughout the season."