Shaun Edwards will be part of Argentina's coaching staff this autumn

Shaun Edwards has admitted he's been surprised his experience hasn't lead to an international head coach's job and revealed he believed he was a strong candidate to succeed Warren Gatland when the Kiwi left his post the first time round.

Edwards is busy preparing for the upcoming Nations Championship with his new employers Argentina.

He left his role as defence coach with France after seven successful seasons in the summer, quickly signing a short-term contract with England Women's side under John Mitchell.

Edwards has since penned a contract with the South Americans until the end of the Rugby World Cup in 2027 as their defence guru.

The Wigan native has always been highly regarded in Wales, having played a key part in the success under Gatland over a 12-year period which saw four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams secured.

Edwards feels he was a leading contender to replace the New Zealander when he ended his first stint with the country in 2019.

Fellow Kiwi Wayne Pivac was employed instead.

In recent times he has been linked with the Fiji job and he admitted he's surprised more offers haven't come in, considering his experience. Asked if he thinks he gets the credit for what he's achieved, he said: "I've been surprised I didn't get an international head coach's job," he told BBC's Rugby Union Weekly.

"I thought I might have got the Wales job when Warren decided to leave, I did think that at the time, but then I went on to something which I'd always wanted to do - which is to help France.

"People said to me 'why have you gone to France?' I said 'because I think I can help'. You have to go to a team where you think you can do a little bit of a transformation and in that transformation help the team to improve."

Following his link-up with Mitchell's side, there was inevitable talk of him joining Steve Borthwick's men's team. Edwards, however, says his offer was turned down.

"I had a good chat with Steve over the phone," Edwards added.

"He was very, very honest with me and I thanked him for that. Credit to him, he said he was happy with his staff and the way things have been going and I respected him for that.

"I like straight talking. I'm sure they've got a really good defence coach. I wish them well."

Asked if the job could come round again in the future, he added: "I said to Steve he can make me assistant kit man and I'll be there, I'll be ready for work.

"Steve made his decision and I thanked him for his honesty."