Shaun Edwards and Mario Ledesma join the Pumas

Felipe Contepomi strengthens his staff after a difficult season, ahead of November’s tour of Europe.

Shaun Edwards, 59, is currently finishing a consultancy with England’s Red Roses, which ends with the WXV Global Series on 30 October. He will then join Argentina for the second part of the Nations Championship in November, against Ireland, Italy on 14 November in Genoa and France, before the final weekend in London. The move ends speculation about a return to England under Steve Borthwick.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff, and the Argentinian team at the end of this month and through to next year’s World Cup in Australia,” Edwards said in the Argentine union’s statement.

Seven Six Nations titles

The former Wigan rugby league player has won seven Six Nations titles as a defence coach: four with Warren Gatland’s Wales (2008, 2012, 2013, 2019), then three with Fabien Galthié’s France (2022 with the Grand Slam, 2025, 2026). Between February 2020 and March 2026, France played 72 Tests, winning 54, drawing one and losing 17. Galthié nevertheless parted ways with him this year as part of a staff overhaul. Edwards also coached Wasps from 2001 to 2011 and the British and Irish Lions’ defence in 2009.

Ledesma returns

Mario Ledesma, 53, who won 84 caps at hooker, returns to the Pumas he coached from 2018 to 2022. Under him, Argentina played 47 Tests, winning 15, drawing three and losing 29, but recorded their first ever win over the All Blacks, 25-15, on 14 November 2020 in Sydney. He had not coached at professional level since leaving. He replaces Andrés Bordoy, who was let go at the end of September.

“Mario and Shaun arrive at Los Pumas with enormous international experience. With the World Cup just a year away, they will help us continue to grow as a team,” Contepomi said.

The Pumas need it: in 2026 they have won just one of their six Tests, against Wales (35-21), with one draw and four defeats, against Scotland, England, South Africa and Australia.