Shaun Edwards was linked to with a role in the England set-up © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Shaun Edwards

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: England | Wales

Shaun Edwards has agreed to continue as Wales' defensive coach through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Edwards - who left his role with London Wasps recently - had been linked with a role with England after his previous contract with the Welsh Rugby Union expired at the end of the World Cup in New Zealand.

However WRU chief Roger Lewis has confirmed that Edwards will remain with Wales. As well as his role as one of head coach Warren Gatland's key lieutenants, Edwards will also work with the Welsh age-grade teams.

While he will also be available to work with an Aviva Premiership side for one day a week and is currently in discussions with an English club.

Lewis told Walesonline: "It was more than apparent through the extraordinary coverage in the UK press that Shaun was in considerable demand from many quarters and there were many options open to him in this country and in Europe.

"He smartly went off to New York last week just to get out of the country because he was quite literally being bombarded. I kept in touch with him daily out there and concluded matters positively on Saturday.

"I'm delighted for Welsh rugby, I'm delighted for the team of coaches we've got and I'm delighted for Shaun. He has proved himself as a coach at the very highest level and we know what huge respect and affection he is held in not only by the players but also by the Welsh rugby public.

"Our whole focus must be building on that and looking to the future. That is why the appointment of Shaun Edwards is so important.

"Shaun really gets switched on and motivated by weekly rugby and he wanted to keep a link with the English Premiership. He's currently in negotiation with an English club. He won't leave the Wales camp in Test week, but there will be an opportunity for him to keep his hand in with the Premiership."

Edwards commitment to Wales and his apparent desire to maintain a presence in English club rugby rules out a mooted role in the Cardiff Blues' coaching set-up.