BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Defense guru Shaun Edwards will help Argentina over the next year to the end of the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Edwards will begin his new job with the Pumas before the Nations Championship resumes in November. Former Pumas coach Mario Ledesma also joined the staff on Friday. They will be the defense and forwards coaches respectively.
“They know what it means to compete at the highest level and can contribute a lot to the team,” Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi said. “With the World Cup just a year away they will help us continue to grow as a team and prepare in the best possible way for what's to come.”
Edwards has been working in a short-term consultancy role with the world champion England women who are touring North America this month in the WXV.
The rugby league great has become one of rugby union's most successful coaches. He's won the men's Six Nations seven times, four with Wales under Warren Gatland. He was appointed France defense coach under Fabien Galthié in 2020 and helped Les Tricolores win a Grand Slam in 2022 and back-to-back titles in 2025-26.
“I'm thrilled to be joining Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff, and the Argentinian team at the end of this month and through to next year's World Cup in Australia,” the 59-year-old Edwards. “I've always admired the skill and quality of Argentinian players and I look forward to contributing my international experience to the team over the next year.”
Ledesma has played in four World Cups and coached at two. He guided Argentina from 2018-22, including its first win over New Zealand. Lately, he's been coaching the Buenos Aires Under-17s.
“I am honored and very grateful for the opportunity to work with Los Pumas again,” Ledesma said. “I am eager for us to get together and start working with the players and the staff.”
The Pumas' next match is against Ireland in Dublin on Nov. 6 in the Nations Championship.
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