Edwards all fired up for grand finale

Only eight points separate the six sides battling for places in the endofseason finale so there is intense pressure on Wasps to get results against Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester (Sunday), Newcastle (Wednesday) and Leeds (Saturday).

But Edwards loves the challenge. That is why he amassed 32 winners'medals as one of Wigan's favourite rugby league sons before switching to union in 2001 as Wasps' backs coach, collecting seven trophies in as many years.

The 41-year-old said: "This is what sport is all about and when I go to sleep, I can't wait to get up.

"I have never lost my schoolboy enthusiasm and there is still room for that in a professional sport. Rugby is a huge part of my life and even on holiday I am still thinking about sport."

Edwards has had little time to rest as he helped Wales claim the Grand Slam after joining them as part-time defence coach in January.

His success alongside Wales head coach Warren Gatland, the former Wasps director of rugby, highlighted the mistake the Rugby Football Union made in failing to get Edwards to join the England set-up.

The man himself is delighted with the way things have panned out across the Severn Bridge.

"Winning the Grand Slam with Wales was special," said Edwards. "Thanks to the kindness of the Wasps board, they let me take up that part-time role with Wales. I always wanted the opportunity to test myself at international level and this summer we are off to South Africa to take on the World Cup holders on their own soil.

"I never doubted I could handle both roles because I remember when I was unemployed and spent a lot of time feeling I wasn't contributing."

There seems no danger of that happening as it is expected Edwards will be part of the coaching team on the Lions' tour of South Africa at the end of next season.

"That tour is 14 months away and I really don't have any idea about what might happen," he said.

"I would love to be involved, but I am sure they will select the right people."

It's the play-offs, though, that Edwards is focusing on at the moment, with Wasps knowing that if they win their game in hand they will go second in the table and earn a home semi-final.

And having won eight league games in a row, they won't fear anybody.

Fourth-placed Harlequins must defeat Sale at home on Sunday to give themselves some breathing space but it could take a win at Leicester on the final Saturday to ensure a play-off berth.

Saracens are at Bath tomorrow and London Irish are home to relegated Leeds on Sunday.