SHAUN Edwards is to leave the Wales coaching team after turning down a contract offer from incoming boss Wayne Pivac.

The defence coach will be at the helm for the World Cup before leaving along with Warren Gatland.

Rugby league legend Edwards had accepted a role to return to Wigan only to then have second thoughts and has been linked with a job with France.

The Welsh Rugby Union had offered him a role under Pivac, working alongside Byron Hayward, but he has turned that down.

“Shaun has a great history with Wales and has been part of a coaching team that has been very successful,” said Pivac.

“When Shaun’s availability post RWC recently became apparent we worked with him to offer him a new contract which he was happy with and for him to be part of the new look coaching team going forward.

“Shaun has decided not to take that contract, which we must respect and we wish Shaun he very best in what lies ahead for him post Wales.”

Edwards said: “After more than ten years with Wales this has been an incredibly difficult decision to reach but I won’t be renewing my contract.

“I would like to thank Warren and the WRU for the opportunity I have had working with the national team.

“We have won four Six Nations titles during my time with Wales, but I sincerely hope and believe that the best days are yet to come and I am fully focused on seeing what we can achieve in Japan.”