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Shaun Edwards will not be making a return to Wasps and is likely to remain within the international coaching environment.

After months of speculation linking Edwards with a move back to the club he left in 2011, director of rugby Dai Young confirmed the Wales defence coach would not be joining his team after the Rugby World Cup.

"We've had clarification from Shaun that he's probably looking to stay in international rugby. Shaun coming here, that doesn't look like it's going to happen," said Young during the Bank Holiday Monday media session ahead of Wasps' clash with Saracens.

"That's all we can say officially. We have very recently had confirmation from Shaun that he's likely to be staying in international rugby and he won't be looking to come to us in the short term."

Edwards was due to link up with Rugby League side Wigan Warriors ahead of the 2020 Super League season but, despite attending a media conference announcing his appointment, no contract was signed and Edwards later confirmed he would not be returning to the club he served with distinction as a player.

Wasps were swiftly linked with the 52-year-old followed by rumours Leicester Tigers had shown an interest.

Young confirmed he offered a deal to Edwards and did not give any indication that any further additions to Wasps coaching staff were imminent following the subsequent thumbs down that was received today.

Edwards' decision not to accept Wasps' offer means the Ricoh Arena club has missed out on their primary coaching target for a second successive summer following Danny Wilson's late u-turn to join the Scotland international set-up, rather than honour an agreement with Wasps, following his departure from Cardiff Blues last year.

Watch the video below as Bobby Bridge assesses what Edwards' decision means for Wasps

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The near misses that have prompted plenty of criticism as Wasps continue to operate with a senior coaching team of just three under Young's leadership with Andy Titterrell, Ian Costello and Lee Blackett steering the ship during a turbulent 2018/19 that saw the club dumped out of Europe without a win and dragged briefly into a relegation battle. However, back-to-back bonus point wins over Worcester Warriors and Exeter Chiefs thrust them to fifth in the Gallagher Premiership with three rounds remaining.

Responding to the criticism, Young said: "Danny Wilson didn't come in last year, we've gone on the record said we want to bring in two coaches which was agreed then.

"Since then, there's been a little bit of a change of plan and I was given authority to offer Shaun a contract.

"Shaun doesn't look like he's coming now. People are criticising me on social media 'Dai made the same mistake last year, he put all his eggs in one basket with Danny Wilson and that didn't happen, he's done the same this year, putting all his eggs in one basket with Shaun Edwards'.

poll loading Where do you think Shaun Edwards will be coaching after the World Cup? 0+ VOTES SO FAR He will remain with Wales England will get him on board Other

"The reality is, I don't make all the decisions, last season I was given the authority to offer Danny Wilson a contract, which I did, this season I was given the authority to offer Shaun Edwards a contract, which I have. I haven't got the authority to offer anybody else a contract. That's where we are at this moment in time, if that changes it changes."