Packer reveals family inspiration behind Edwards joining Red Roses

Marlie Packer has revealed that Shaun Edwards' late mother was part of the inspiration for his decision to join England's Red Roses. Speaking to BBC Sport, the England back-row forward said Edwards had explained the personal connection to the squad after taking up his new coaching role with the world champions.

According to Packer, Edwards told the players that his mother, Phyllis, would have loved the chance to play rugby herself but had never had that opportunity. She had admired the Red Roses. Phyllis, who died in March 2021, had also encouraged her son to study rugby union while he was still a leading rugby league player.

Packer welcomed the arrival of a coach with Edwards' record, describing it as a sign of the progress of women's rugby and of England's programme. She also described his communication style as direct: he does not speak excessively, but his words command attention when he does address the players.

Edwards, 59, has joined head coach John Mitchell's staff on a consultancy arrangement lasting until the end of the WXV Global Series, Sky Sports reported, citing the Rugby Football Union's announcement. His assignment runs through England's final game of the campaign against the United States in New Jersey on October 30.

Mitchell said discussions after Edwards' departure from France had revealed his interest in coaching an international women's team for the first time. The England head coach highlighted Edwards' experience and said defence coach Sarah Hunter, along with the wider coaching group, was looking forward to learning from him.

The appointment comes after England's sequence of 39 consecutive Test victories ended with a 26-26 draw against Canada in Exeter. Sky Sports reported that the Red Roses next face New Zealand at Twickenham on September 26 before travelling to North America. Their October schedule includes matches against Canada in Toronto on October 16 and Ottawa on October 23, followed by the United States fixture that concludes Edwards' current agreement.