THE Welsh Rugby Union says the promotion of Shaun Edwards with Wasps after the departure on Thursday of director of rugby Tony Hanks will make no difference to his position as Wales defence coach.

Edwards has forged a big reputation since joining up with Wales alongside Warren Gatland in 2008 when the former Wasps pair guided Wales to the Grand Slam in their first season.

Up until now, Edwards has successfully combined his jobs with Wales, on a part-time basis, and Wasps, as head coach, even joining Gatland as part of the British and Irish Lions coaching contingent in South Africa the year before last.

But the position has taken a dramatic twist with Hanks leaving Wasps because Edwards is now in charge there, even if only on a temporary basis.

He takes over from Hanks for today’s Aviva Premiership match against Leicester, and next week Wasps, who have struggled this season, have a game against London rivals Saracens.

But Wales are right in the middle of their Six Nations Championship programme and next week will be preparing for their match against Italy at the Stadio Flaminio.

Edwards moving up to the main role with Wasps could provide more of a conflict of interest and make even further demands on his time, whereas in the past he has been able to manage both positions comfortably.

But clearly he can’t be in two places at once and something is bound to give next week when the Wasps will be getting ready for a London league derby while Wales will be preparing for their Italian job hoping to maintain the improvement they showed against Scotland last week.

The Welsh Rugby Union, however, says Edwards’ position with Wasps will make no difference.

“The news changes nothing in terms of Shaun’s relationship as defence coach with the Wales national squad,” said a WRU spokesman.

Edwards, who is 44, enjoyed a wonderful rugby league career, playing for Wigan from 1983-96 and winning a record nine Challenge Cups and appearing in a record 11 championship finals. He won 36 caps for Great Britain before joining Wasps as backs coach in 2001 and helping them to three championship titles from 2003-5.