Edwards ‘disappointed’ at Pivac’s money claims

Shaun Edwards has hit back at claims by incoming Wales coach Wayne Pivac that his decision to leave the national team’s staff is financially motivated.

Edwards, who recently opted out of an agreement to become head coach of rugby league club Wigan Warriors, citing a lack of preparation time, was expected to remain with Wales when Pivac succeeds Warren Gatland after this year’s World Cup in Japan.

However, he has been heavily linked to taking a position with France amid reports he was not offered the four-year contract without a break clause that he wanted to remain with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Ahead of Saturday’s European Champions Cup play-off meeting with the Ospreys in Swansea, Scarlets boss Pivac described Edwards’ decision as “an individual choice and probably a financial one”.

“I am disappointed with Wayne Pivac’s comments – he has no idea what my salary is in France,” Edwards said in a statement issued to Wales Online.

“The Wales team is on the greatest run in the history of Welsh rugby with 14 international victories in a row.

“We have recently won the Grand Slam and a fourth Six Nations title under our head coach Warren Gatland.

“I have been a part of them and have given Wales 12 years of loyal service, enjoying my time here immensely and having a great rapport with the Welsh public, who I love.

“There’s a lot to be excited about with the World Cup around the corner. I suggest we just do our own jobs and concentrate on the World Cup.”

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