Shaun Edwards is set to finalise a deal which will see him remain as Wales defence coach when Warren Gatland departs after the World Cup.

The Sunday Times has learnt that the 52-year-old has rejected an offer to become head coach at Wigan Warriors, as well as the option to become assistant coach at Wasps, and will instead extend his 11-year association with Wales when Wayne Pivac takes over in November.

Edwards, who last August held a series of press conferences stating he would be returning to rugby league as coach of his former club Wigan, after he was frustrated Pivac did not offer him a deal upon being named Gatland’s successor, is understood to have agreed terms to stay on after the World Cup.