Edwards commits to Gatland's Wales

Shaun Edwards made good on the promise he gave Warren Gatland following the Grand Slam by signing a three-year contract to remain part of the Wales coaching staff until the next World Cup.

Edwards, 41, was in high demand after he played a key role in transforming Wales' fortunes following their World Cup debacle and is understood to have met with prospective England team manager Martin Johnson - but if there was any approach from Twickenham it was too late.

"Warren is massively important," said Edwards, who will also continue in his capacity as Wasps head coach. "A lot of people have helped my coaching career and he is a major one. I am delighted that this deal secures my future with Wales until 2011."

He added: "There has been a lot of speculation about my future, but I feel very excited about working with my co-coaches and back room staff within the Welsh set-up.

"My loyalty to Wasps is undiminished and I have already formed an extremely close bond with the Welsh team and the Welsh fans."

Interest from England was understandable as the Rugby Football Union attempt to fill the newly-created team manager's role - which Johnson has been linked with - and hire another specialist coach.

Wales' Grand Slam triumph was built on the defence that Edwards built, which set a Six Nations record by conceding just two tries all tournament.

Edwards took the job with Wales in January after England's best offer was a coaching position with the second-string Saxons.

He would like to coach England one day - but for now his focus is Wales, Wasps and earning a position on the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour.

"I live the present day and, there's no doubt that coaching England is a very attractive prospect but at the moment I'm committed to Wales and Wasps," he said. "I feel I'm a better coach now than I was at the start of year and in three years time I'll probably be an even better one."