Shaun Edwards could depart France for Six Nations rivals

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Gatland stepped away from his role with the Welsh Rugby Union last week after a nightmare run of results, including heavy defeats to France and Italy in this year’s Six Nations. The loss in Rome was the final straw, prompting Gatland to call it quits, with WRU CEO Abi Tierney swiftly appointing Cardiff Rugby boss Matt Sherratt as interim coach.

While names like Franco Smith and Simon Easterby have been floated for the permanent position, Bastareaud thinks there’s a better option—current France defence coach Edwards.

Writing in his Six Nations column, Bastareaud made no secret of his admiration for Edwards' coaching credentials.

"It's true that Shaun Edwards is often synonymous with defence, but above all, he is someone who has real expertise in rugby, and a deep understanding of the game," he said.

"All the players I have been around and who knew him, whether at club or national level, only say good things about him. He is a strong character, with solid principles and convictions. And when you take on a team, I think it is essential to immediately impose high standards. Edwards clearly checks all the boxes."

Bastareaud also praised Edwards for his honesty, contrasting him with candidates who lobby behind closed doors.

"I like people who are not afraid to say loud and clear: 'I am interested in this position, I think I have the qualities for it'. I'd rather deal with someone like Edwards, who’s up front about their ambition, rather than those who scheme behind the scenes," he added.

The former France star admitted he was saddened by the current state of Welsh rugby, reflecting on a time when facing Wales was a daunting prospect.

"In my opinion, the real question is: shouldn't it have been done before?" he questioned. "If you want to attack the Championship with a new coaching staff, you might as well do it from the start, with new energy and a group that starts with a positive dynamic."

The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most "hated" facing during his career.

Lomu's one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.

WILKINSON SAID: "One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999

Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe’s finest.

WILKINSON SAID: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player

WILKINSON SAID: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.

DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in 'greatest ever' sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached

Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

WILKINSON SAID: "“A guy that stood the test of time and has remained at the best, the highest level of the game for that time. Finishing second best was never an option."

DID YOU KNOW? McCaw led his country to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015

Dominici played 67 times for his country and won the French championship five times with Stade Français before retiring in 2008. In recent years he had worked as a pundit for French radio and TV before his death in 2020.

WILKINSON SAID: "His opportunism, his flair, his game reading, his sheer explosivity to really change a game is something that sticks in my memory.”

DID YOU KNOW? Dominci appeared in three World Cups for his country in 1999, 2003 and 2007, scoring eight tries over that time.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!