Shaun Edwards has open mind over Wales future after World Cup

Shaun Edwards is refusing to commit himself over his post-World Cup future as an assistant Wales coach.

Edwards said he felt "emotional" after Wales' 23-16 Six Nations victory over Ireland that ensured Saturday's tournament finale will be a three-way title race, with England currently top of the table.

Defence coach Edwards, who has been an integral figure in Warren Gatland's Wales backroom team since the New Zealander took charge seven years ago, is out of contract in 2016.

And while it appears inconceivable that he will not be offered a new deal by the Welsh Rugby Union - Edwards has been part of three Six Nations title-winning campaigns, including two Grand Slams, and also helped Wales reach a World Cup semi-final in 2011 - he is keeping an open mind.

"It was a very emotional game for everybody really," said Edwards. "I think only a Six Nations game can bring the emotion out like that, particularly for myself.

"Potentially, it could be one of my last Six Nations games with Wales, with our contracts all being up after the World Cup.

"If it ends up being that way, it's a great way to sign off."

Asked how keen he is to remain as Wales' defence specialist, Edwards added: "I'm just taking each day as it comes."

And, asked if Wales' heroic defensive display had given him one of his proudest days as a defence coach, he said: "Yes, because it was emotional as well.

"It could be my last one, and to defend in your own 22 for nine and a half minutes and concede just one try from a maul, is great credit to the lads and the fitness staff too."

Wales made 250 tackles in thwarting Ireland's Grand Slam bid, an effort that was highlighted by them repelling a prolonged spell of Irish pressure during the third quarter that mirrored everything about Edwards' defensive philosophy.

"I just thought it was an incredible Test match," he said. "Ireland are a team that never ever give in. They are coming back at you all the time. It was everything that is good about the Six Nations.

"We kept getting off the floor quickly, which is a massive part of your defence. If you are on the floor, you are out of the game in rugby union.

"We got off the floor and got into position very quickly - there are mental and physical aspects to that - and our tackling was of the highest order.

"I did say to the players during the week that potentially we would have to make 150 to 200 tackles because of the way Ireland attack."

Potentially it could be one of my last Six Nations games with Wales

Edwards paid tribute to Wales lock Luke Charteris, whose personal tackle count of 31 set a new individual Six Nations record for one game.

"Luke has not only done that, he has defended four or five mauls and he's been in 10 to 15 scrums. It just shows what an incredibly fit player he is," he said.

"I think since he has come back into the team, he has been absolutely outstanding. He has certainly made a difference. His mobility is of the highest order.

"We hardly ever kick the ball off the pitch. We keep the ball on the park all the time, so it's not easy to defend for those long periods.

"I am not going to say we are a better team than we were at the World Cup, but we are in better shape than what we were in 2011 going into the World Cup.

"I just think we have got a bit more understanding, the players have played together longer and some of them are a bit more mature."