Former England star Paul Grayson says Twickenham chiefs have only themselves to blame if Shaun Edwards inflicts yet more pain on the land of his birth.
Edwards, defence coach of France, will win his fourth Grand Slam since 2008 if Les Bleus beat Eddie Jones’ side in Paris today.
In that same period England, the world’s wealthiest and best resourced rugby nation, has managed just one - six years ago.
Grayson said: “Shaun has transformed France’s defence and discipline from where they were a couple of years ago, but that should surprise no-one because he did it for over a decade in Wales.
“That should make people at the RFU think ‘why is he coaching them and not us?’ Does it make me cross that he hasn’t? Of course it does. It’s one of the absurdities of the professional game.”
Since 2008 England have had five defence coaches - Mike Ford, Andy Farrell, Paul Gustard, John Mitchell and, currently, Anthony Seibold.
Only once did they offer Edwards the job and that was 2006, when Andy Robinson was head coach and the cross-code legend turned it down as he was grieving the loss of his brother Billy Joe in a car accident.
“For Shaun to be available moving out of Wales in 2019 and for him not to come to England I’d say is an almighty cock-up by the RFU,” said World Cup winner Grayson.
“If there’s anybody there who could give you a genuine reason why they wouldn’t want Shaun Edwards involved I’d like to hear it. It can’t be a rugby reason.
“His CV is absolutely immense. He has nailed it every step of the way from playing union as a kid, having a sensational career in league then returning to union to win everything.
“Yet England are about to come up against him for a 14th successive year - a guy who has quickly become another jewel in a heavy French crown.
“We all know what he can do for a team,” added the Mirror rugby columnist. "And now he’s doing it for everybody’s second favourite team.
“With his guidance France will go to the World Cup potentially as Grand Slam champions and joint favourites to lift the trophy.”
