Edwards commits future to Wales

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Edwards, 41, was in high demand after playing a central role in Wales' Grand Slam campaign and it is understood he met with prospective England team manager Martin Johnson. But Edwards, the Wasps head coach, confirmed he will be part of Warren Gatland's Wales management team through to the 2011 World Cup.

"I am delighted that this deal secures my future with Wales until 2011," he said. "We have won the Grand Slam, but now it is time to focus on preparing to face the world champions and what a great challenge that is for us."

Edwards will also continue in his capacity as Wasps head coach for the next three years.

The three-way deal between Edwards, the Welsh Rugby Union and Wasps was signed at the club's training ground in Acton.

Edwards' immediate focus is Wasps' Guinness Premiership title challenge but in the summer he will travel with for two Tests against South Africa.

"I am extremely grateful to the management of both Wasps and the Welsh Rugby Union for giving me this opportunity to work with these two marvellous teams," continued Edwards.

"I can now focus all my energy on achieving a lot more success with both teams on the field, where it matters most. My loyalty to Wasps is undiminished and I have already formed an extremely close bond with the Welsh team and the Welsh fans.

"There has been a lot of speculation about my future, but I feel very excited about working with my co-coaches and back room staff within the Welsh set-up."

Edwards and Gatland, former colleagues at Wasps and close friends, formed a formidable coaching team during the RBS 6 Nations as they transformed Wales from World Cup dead-beats into Grand Slam champions.