England set to miss out on Shaun Edwards AGAIN as shock World Cup destination emerges

Edwards leaves Les Bleus after helping transform their defence during a hugely successful spell under Fabien Galthié. Despite his availability ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, reports suggest Steve Borthwick is happy with his current coaching team and is not looking to make changes.

That decision is likely to frustrate England supporters, many of whom have long wanted Edwards involved with the national side.

Instead, the 59-year-old is expected to attract interest from across the rugby world.

One intriguing destination is Fiji.

The Pacific Islanders are searching for a permanent head coach after Mick Byrne's departure earlier this year, and Edwards could prove the perfect fit ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Fiji have never lacked attacking talent, with stars such as Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Levani Botia capable of troubling any defence. Their problem has often been consistency without the ball.

That weakness was exposed during the Nations Championship, including a heavy defeat to England, and Edwards has built a reputation as the man who can fix exactly that.

His defensive systems helped Wales win multiple Six Nations titles before he repeated the trick with France, turning them into one of the toughest teams to break down in world rugby.

There is no indication that formal talks have taken place between Edwards and Fiji, and any link remains speculative.

But with Fiji looking for a coach and Edwards suddenly available, it would be one of the most fascinating appointments before Australia 2027.

If England choose not to make a move once again, they could find themselves watching from afar as one of rugby's greatest coaches helps turn another nation into genuine World Cup contenders.

Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:

Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.

France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.

England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.
Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!