Captains with Sam Warburton Shaun Edwards Part Two: My coaching philosophy and working with Warren Gatland
Jan 21, 2024
Shaun Edwards, a Rugby League legend and the defense coach for France, shares insights into his coaching philosophy and his time working with Warren Gatland. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity in coaching and reflects on his transition from player to mentor. Edwards discusses the balance of camaraderie and performance in the French rugby culture, and the significance of adaptability in leadership during team challenges. With rich anecdotes, he highlights the legacy of coaching and the enduring bonds formed on and off the field.
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Challenges of Young Captaincy
- Shaun Edwards shared the difficulty of being a young captain at 21, especially with older, more experienced players around.
- He was relieved when he lost the captaincy after injury affected his form, showing the mental challenge of early leadership.
Protecting Playmakers in Defence
- Shaun Edwards realized excessive tackling affects attacking performance, especially for key playmakers.
- This insight shaped his coaching philosophy to protect critical players from high defensive workloads.
Innovate Defense with Simplicity
- Shaun Edwards introduced the tactic of playing with two fullbacks to counteract strong opposition defensive lines.
- Simplicity in tactics combined with fitness improvements helped create innovative defensive strategies.