Pumas with prominent double: Edwards and Ledesma strengthen Argentina's rugby staff

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The Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) unveiled a prominent double move on Friday (October 9, 2026): Englishman Shaun Edwards (59) will take charge of the defense, while Argentinian Mario Ledesma (53) will coach the Pumas' forwards. Their shared mission is the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The switch carries a footnote – Edwards was still in post as defense coach of the French XV as recently as June this year, before departing the Bleus' staff.

Edwards: From France straight to South America

Shaun Edwards was long regarded as one of the most respected defense coaches in world rugby, notably through his long-running partnership with Warren Gatland at Wales. In June 2026 he was still overseeing the French national team's defense, before being removed from the Bleus' staff. Now, Argentina: the UAR has signed the 59-year-old to reshape the Pumas' defensive structure – with a clear eye on the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Ledesma: A homecoming to familiar surroundings

For Mario Ledesma, the return is no fresh start but a reunion. The 53-year-old was a Pumas player himself and led the Argentine national team from 2018 to 2022 as head coach. During that spell Argentina finished third at the 2019 World Cup in Japan, among other results. Going forward, he will be part of the staff as forwards coach – responsible for scrums, lineouts and set-piece work. His edge: he knows the federation, the players and the expectations firsthand.

International experience meets Argentine identity

With this dual appointment, the UAR is deliberately opting for a mix. Edwards brings top-level international experience, Ledesma stands for continuity and an understanding of Argentine rugby culture. For the Pumas, the hot phase of World Cup preparation now begins – with a squad that has made waves internationally in recent years, and a coaching team tasked with ensuring the side plays a role in Australia in 2027 as well.