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

Six Nations champions Ireland have launched a hunt for a new defence guru, with Joe Schmidt having been alerted to the availability of Shaun Edwards.

Coach Schmidt is seeking a replacement for Les Kiss who is taking over as director of rugby at Ulster following the back-to-back Six Nations kings’ 43-20 World Cup quarter-final hammering against Argentina.

Edwards’ contract with Wales runs out next Saturday and he is open to offers as doubts over his future with Wales grow.

Schmidt, along with Warren Gatland, is a front-runner to lead the Lions into battle against New Zealand in 2017 and Edwards has made no secret of his ambition to be on that tour.

Related:Revealed: The reasons Warren Gatland appears unconcerned Wales may have seen the last of Shaun Edwards

Gatland left him behind when he masterminded the Lions victory over Australia two years ago in favour of England’s Andy Farrell.

Edwards also has Irish connections, having represented the country once at rugby league in an international match.

The 49-year-old’s standing in the game couldn’t be much higher after injury-blighted Wales conceded a paltry three tries in a World Cup campaign that saw them narrowly exit at the quarter-final stage after progressing from a group of death containing Australia, hosts England and Fiji.

Related:England will NOT be able to poach Warren Gatland as senior WRU source brands reports of £1.2m buy-out clause 'a load of tosh'

The English Rugby Football Union, who have launched a review into England’s humiliating early exit after losing to Wales and Australia at the group stage, may be another country interested in obtaining his prized services, along with a host of top rugby union and league clubs.

It’s understood the fans’ and players’ favourite would consider any position, anywhere, but will take his time over making a decision.

Related:Why Wales and the northern hemisphere must fundamentally change their cautious approach to the game

There remains a possibility the 13-a-side great could remain on board with Wales, with Gatland likely to decide over the next couple of weeks whether to offer Edwards a new deal as he considers whether to make changes to his management team for the four-year cycle to the next World Cup in Japan in 2019.

Not striving to retain a figure the Welsh public regard as hugely important in lifting three Six Nations titles would undoubtedly spark outrage from many supporters.

WRU chairman Gareth Davies has said it is for Gatland to decide on his back-room staff.