Shaun Edwards has signed a four-year deal to become defence coach with France following the World Cup after rejecting a contract to remain with Wales, according to reports.
Edwards has been Warren Gatland's right hand man in defence throughout the heady times for Welsh rugby, taking in three Grand Slams and their spellbinding 2013 Six Nations triumph.
In recent weeks Edwards was widely expected to stay on Wales after the World Cup when New Zealander Gatland steps down as head coach.
He was reportedly set to share defensive duties as part of Wayne Pivac's new-look Welsh coaching team with the Scarlets' Byron Hayward.
But the WRU announced on Thursday the former rugby league great has turned down the deal.
Now, it's being reported the defence mastermind is off to France.
The Daily Mail reported Edwards is now 'set to join France' on a four-year deal through to the 2023 World Cup and informed Gatland of his decision on Thursday morning.
And reports in France suggest the deal has been done for Edwards to cross the Channel and join Wales' Six Nations rivals.
Edwards has links with Les Bleus as their newly-appointed team manager Raphael Ibanez was a former Wasps captain when Edwards was coaching the then London club.
Ibanez is believed to have been involved in talks to hire Edwards after the World Cup when former scrum-half Fabien Galthie is expected to become their new head coach.
