THE recruitment of rugby league legend Shaun Edwards as defence coach is a huge coup for Wales, says head coach Warren Gatland.

The highly respected and successful Wasps guru is reunited with Gatland after their fruitful partnership at the top London club, winning the 2004 Heineken Cup coaching together.

Snubbed by England, ex-Great Britain and Wigan rugby league icon Edwards joins Wales on a part-time basis on a two-year contract until January 2010.

Edwards, who won last year's Heineken Cup with Wasps, "is the most outstanding coach in English rugby" according to former Wales and British Lions star Robert Howley, who joins the duo as attack coach.

Howley played under the management of the pair at Wasps, scoring their winning try four years ago in the famous victory over Toulouse when the team became European champions.

But speculation that Lawrence Dallaglio would be joining the Welsh set-up was dismissed by Gatland.

Howley is hoping to be in place as one of Gatland's trusted lieutenants in time for the start of the Six Nations. He will initially work part-time and leave his job with the Cardiff Blues at the end of the season to be with Wales full-time.

Gatland said Edwards is one of the leading coaches around: "He's really looking forward to a change and challenge away from a club side - this is a huge coup."

Firm friends, Gatland spoke of his respect for Edwards: "Shaun's got a winning mentality and a huge desire to succeed. He's got an uncompromising attitude towards life - I would love to have him full-time."

A delighted Howley said he will enjoy learning from Gatland and Edwards: "They both call a spade and spade, they demand success and are both men of great integrity.

"The players will be enlightened. If you don't give 100%, you will be challenged by Warren Gatland.

"Shaun is the most outstanding coach in English rugby - it's one up for us. England's loss is Wales' gain.

"What makes Shaun so special is his honesty, trust, professionalism, intensity and belief in winning."

Forwards coach Robin McBryde, skills coach Neil Jenkins and fitness coach Mark Bennett keep the jobs they held under Gareth Jenkins' failed regime.