England back row Marlie Packer says defence coach Shaun Edwards’ surprise move into the Red Roses set-up was partly inspired by his late mother Phyllis.
Edwards has joined the world champions for the remainder of their autumn campaign after the end of a six-and-a half-year stint with France.
“He told us a little story, telling us why he wanted to be here,” said Packer.
“He was saying about his mum not ever being able to have the opportunity to play, and that she would have loved to have done so.
“It was really cool to hear that she thought we were amazing.”
Phyllis Edwards worked as a hairdresser in the family’s hometown of Wigan, but was a trusted advisor throughout her son’s career. She also cared for Edwards’ father Jackie after his own career with league side Warrington was ended by a spinal injury at the age of 24.
She died in March 2021.
“Back in the mid-1990s she was the first person to tell me to study rugby union as well as rugby league, because I always wanted to be a coach and I always took notes of what coaches said,” said Edwards at the time.
“When rugby union went professional in 1995, I was at the top of the league game, captain of Wigan who were world champions, but she always told me to learn about rugby union.”
Edwards’ study paid off. After lifting domestic and European titles during his time coaching club side Wasps, he has won a total of seven Six Nations crowns across stints with Wales and France.
“He’s got more Six Nations than quite a few of the girls, to be fair to him!” added Packer, who has been part of 10 Grand Slam-winning sides herself since making her England debut in 2008.
“To have that calibre of coach to want to come and work with the Red Roses, just showcases where the women’s game is going and what this Red Roses team has done and are doing.
“It’s amazing for the whole programme.
“He’s straight talking. He doesn’t say too much, but when he does say something, you hear it.”
