Welsh Rugby
Edwards heaps praise on Gatland
ESPN Staff
May 10, 2012
Wales coach Warren Gatland and his assistant Shaun Edwards, Wales v Samoa, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, November 13, 2009
Shaun Edwards is still hopeful that Warren Gatland may play some part in Wales' summer tour to Australia © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Shaun Edwards | Warren Gatland
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Wales' defence coach Shaun Edwards has labelled head coach Warren Gatland the "best coach in the world" ahead of their three-Test tour to Australia.

Gatland is expected to miss the majority of the tour after fracturing both of his ankles in a fall in New Zealand back in April. In his place, Wales assistant Rob Howley has stepped up as caretaker coach with Edwards retaining his position as defence supremo.

Despite his absence in Australia, Edwards has heaped praise on the Kiwi while also hinting at a possible return to the touchline sooner than expected for Gatland.

"I spoke to him the other day. Trudy his wife is monitoring the situation and we will see how he is closer to the time to be honest," Edwards told the BBC. "The most important thing is that Warren gets better and is fit and healthy and is able to walk around.

"For me is the best coach in the world and you are going to miss someone of that experience. Hopefully we can do him proud. You always want your boss around and you always want that experience around you."

It was announced on Wednesday that Edwards will work one day a week with London Irish in their backroom staff, but the former Wasps coach has moved to re-affirm his commitment to Wales.

"I'm happy about it. Wales is my main priority and always will be while I'm contracted to Wales," Edwards said. "But Roger Lewis allowed me to have a clause in my contract where I can have one day a week at a Premiership club."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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