The Welsh Rugby Union have pulled off a coup, re-signing in-demand defensive coach Shaun Edwards for a further four years.The 45-year-old has assisted Wales coach Warren Gatland since January 2008 and was credited with much of the success as the country made an unexpected run to the semi-finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where they were narrowly defeated by France.

Edwards left his role as head coach of Wasps in November and had been the subject of interest from England when his Wales contract expired after the World Cup.

But Wales trumped their British rivals to the re-signing of Edwards, though the former England scrum-half will be permitted to work one day a week with an Aviva Premiership side, believed to be Leicester.

"I kept in touch with him daily ... and concluded matters positively on Saturday," Wales Rugby Union chief Roger Lewis said.

"I'm delighted for Welsh rugby, I'm delighted for the team of coaches we've got and I'm delighted for Shaun."

"He has proved himself as a coach at the very highest level and we know what huge respect and affection he is held in, not only by the players but also by the Welsh rugby public."

"Our whole focus must be building on that and looking to the future. That is why the appointment of Shaun Edwards is so important."

Edwards is expected to announce the identity of the English rugby club he will link up with shortly.