England back‑row Marlie Packer confirmed that defence coach Shaun Edwards’ switch to the Red Roses was partly a tribute to his late mother. The move is a surprise in the women’s national set‑up.
Shaun Edwards joined the defensive coaching set‑up of England's women's rugby team, the Red Roses, on 22 September 2026, citing inspiration from his late mother Phyllis Edwards. The appointment was confirmed by the Rugby Football Union in a London press conference.
Edwards' background
Edwards previously served as a defence coach with the England men’s side, contributing to their campaigns over the past seven years. After concluding his tenure with the senior men’s squad, he opted to move into women’s rugby, believing his experience could boost the Red Roses ahead of the 2027 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Personal motivation
He explained that his mother, Phyllis, was his biggest supporter and had passed away two years earlier. "Every step I take now is a tribute to her memory, and I feel her love for the game lives on through us," Edwards told reporters.
Player reaction
England back‑row Marlie Packer welcomed the news, stating: "Having Shaun on board adds invaluable expertise, and knowing he carries his mother’s memory with him drives us to work even harder for success."
What lies ahead
The Red Roses are now gearing up for a series of warm‑up matches ahead of the World Cup, with a particular focus on tightening their defence. Edwards will lead intensive training sessions, introducing modern defensive patterns drawn from his previous roles.
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