The Welsh Rugby Union has agreed to loan defence coach Shaun Edwards out to Cardiff Blues on a consultancy basis this season.

 Hot on the heels of their take-over of the Dragons, the WRU have stepped in to help the cash-strapped Blues following the loss of skills coach Paul John and rugby general manager Billy Millard.

Edwards is the current Wales and former British & Irish Lions defence coach and he has already started working alongside head coach Danny Wilson and backs coach Matt Sherratt as the Blues prepare for the newly expanded Guinness PRO14 season.

“Shaun will be a great addition to Cardiff Blues. His record speaks for itself and I am sure he will have a big impact,” said Wilson. “Defence is an area we have to improve if we want to take the next step and qualify for the European Champions Cup.”

The Blues reached the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup last season and finished seventh in the PRO12.

“Shaun has an invaluable wealth of experience, which will be hugely beneficial, and will play an important role in developing the defensive coaches and leaders of the future. I would also like to thank the Welsh Rugby Union for their support in this appointment,” added Wilson.

Edwards, the most decorated player in rugby league history, has enjoyed an illustrious career both on and off the pitch. After moving into coaching with Wasps he won the English Premiership on four occasions and every major trophy as a head coach.

Four of his six years at Wasps were alongside Warren Gatland and the duo linked up again with Wales in 2008. Edwards has since been integral to three RBS Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Danny Wilson and Cardiff Blues. There’s a lot of potential here,” said Edwards.

“For the majority of my time with Wales, Richard Hodges has also been the defence coach for Wales U20s so it will be great to link-up with him again.”

The Welsh Rugby Union commented: “We see this move as a hugely positive step forward with the Cardiff Blues region. Shaun will provide regular continuity between the Senior National Management and the coaching set up within the Blues, working alongside Danny and his team.

“We will see this impact across the other regions with our National Coaches also working with the Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys at various junctures throughout the coming season.”