Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

English rugby giants Leicester Tigers are the latest club interested in employing Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards after the Rugby World Cup this autumn.

The Gallagher Premiership strugglers were keen to strike a short-term deal with Edwards to move to Welford Road for the remainder of the season, with their place at the top table of the English game, under threat.

It's reported Leicester wanted one of the masterminds behind Wales' recent Six Nations Grand Slam to work on the Tigers' leaky defence and Mike Ford to run the attack.

While former Bath, Saracens and Toulon coach Ford is set to start work with Leicester on Monday, The Times report WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips objected to the prospect of Edwards working with the Tigers before the World Cup.

With the club just five points ahead of bottom club Newcastle Falcons at the bottom of the Premiership table, Ford will now come in alone to work alongside head coach Geordan Murphy.

Though they couldn't come to an agreement this time around, Leicester are reportedly interested in offering Edwards a permanent role next season when his Wales contract expires after the World Cup.

Edwards' work with the Welsh defence means the former rugby league legend is not short of job offers.

Premiership giants Wasps have confirmed they want to bring Edwards into their set-up after spending a successful time with the club before leaving for Wales.

Wasps rugby director David Young says somebody of Edwards' coaching calibre would be a "fantastic" statement for the club.

Former Wales skipper Young said he had already spoken to Edwards and will be talking to him further when he returns from a holiday.

And it remains to be seen whether Edwards could well link back up with Wales head coach Warren Gatland should the New Zealander land roles with the England or French teams after the World Cup.