“THIS is just the start.”

Mar 17 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

That was the message today from Welsh rugby’s chief man as the dust settled on an extraordinary second Grand Slam in four seasons.

WRU chairman David Pickering vowed that the roof will not fall in on our game as it did after the 2005 clean sweep – and he also promised to tie up defence coach Shaun Edwards, who is already attracting envious eyes from across the Severn Bridge.

‘‘I don’t think this Grand Slam will be followed by the type of issues that cropped up after the one in 2005,’’ he said. ‘‘This time there is far more stability in the set-up.

‘‘As head coach, Warren Gatland is on a long-term contract and he and ourselves are determined to build on what has been achieved.

‘‘We are after sustainable success rather than a one-off triumph.”

Wales achieved their latest Slam by defeating France 29-12 amid amazing scenes.

And Pickering insisted defence king Edwards will be going nowhere.

‘‘He wants to stay and we want to keep him long-term,’’ added Pickering. We are doing our utmost on that front. ‘It is a question of getting the bits and pieces in place. There really is no major issue.”