The National Times - 'Big business' of Six Nations driving Shaun Edwards ahead of 250th Test

Les Bleus are in pole position for the title as they host Scotland, having demolished defending champions Ireland in Dublin last weekend.

Edwards, 58, has been in charge of France's defence since 2019 after leaving the Welsh set-up and could add a sixth title from the Six Nations to his personal haul this weekend.

"The Six Nations is your big business," Edwards told AFP from France's training headquarters in southern Paris.

Edwards made his Test debut in the 13-man code as a teenager in 1985, playing for Great Britain.

He also helped engineer boyhood club Wigan's dominance of domestic English rugby league before moving into coaching union after hanging up his boots.

Edwards worked with English club Wasps and followed New Zealander Warren Gatland to Wales in 2008 where he lifted four Six Nations titles and reached two Rugby World Cup semi-finals in an 11-year spell.

"The answer is 100% no chance," Edwards said when asked if he thought he could ever reach the 250-Test milestone.

"I had some good times with Wales. Hopefully, we've got some more good times in the future with France."

Edwards turned Wales' defence into one of the meanest in global rugby and despite the trophies he pinpointed the 2015 World Cup win over England at Twickenham as the highlight, which secured a place in the quarter-finals.

"It's because it was in the World Cup, because I would have had no job if we had not beaten England," Edwards said.

"Winning against England was not the thing, but getting through the group."

That victory was not only celebrated by the team and fans but also by others with a higher calling.

"I go to church every week. The day after the game I went to Mass and the priest came to the altar and just went, 'yes'!" explained Edwards, holding his arms aloft to mimic the clergyman's delight.

- 'More than a genius' Russell -

Edwards had said he would be keen to be part of this summer's British and Irish Lions coaching staff.

However, the series in Australia clashes with France's July tour of New Zealand.

"I had no idea it was at the same time. I didn't have a clue," Edwards said having also been part of the touring side's set-up in 2009.

"My focus has been this Six Nations. I'm totally, 100% dedicated to the French team," the straight-talking coach added.

Les Bleus' hopes of a victory on Saturday were dealt a blow with superstar scrum-half Antoine Dupont ruled out for more than six months with a serious knee injury.

But France have strength in depth.

"I've been very lucky all my life. I've always worked with world-class players," Edwards, who lives near Perpignan with his family, said.

"What I've learned, or not learned, I already kind of knew it, is that even the best players want to get better.

"If you, as a coach, can help them get better, you're lucky there."

Standing in the way of France's second Six Nations under Edwards and head coach Fabien Galthie are Scotland and their influential captain Finn Russell.

"We all know he's a bit of a genius with the ball in his hand," Edwards said.

"Well, a bit more than a genius. He's one of the best I've ever seen."

A.M.Owen--TNT