Sports Letters: Save Our Shaun

Apr 1 2008 Western Mail

We’ve been overwhelmed by your response to our SOS – Save our Shaun – campaign. Our intention was to demonstrate to Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards just how much he means to us as a nation following his key role in Wales’ Grand Slam success. Here, we publish a selection of your views on why Shaun should stick by us, and forget English overtures

Give him the freedom of Cardiff
SIR – I’d like to wholeheartedly join The Western Mail’s campaign to do all that it takes to keep Shaun Edwards within the Welsh set-up.

It’s great to see Welsh forwards taking the game to the opposition and finally believing in themselves, never mind the defence.

Having worked in the Wigan and Lancashire area some 20 years ago I found the people to be very similar to those at home, particularly with the rugby connection of union in South Wales and league in northern England.

As far as I’m concerned, Edwards should be given the freedom of Cardiff/Wales, a medal, a decent contract and anything else that we can to entice him to stay as part of Warren Gatland’s coaching team.

I also think he’d feel more at home in Wales than at “Twickers” with the cloistered and privileged Rugby Football Union set-up now in a poor state with backstabbing, subterfuge and scheming all prevalent.

Finally, I’d like to congratulate WRU chief executive Roger Lewis on accomplishing a masterstroke for Wales by attracting Gatland and Edwards here.

My only other hope is that he further revolutionises the set-up of Welsh rugby.
MARK RYBOLOWICZ
via e-mail

Jiffy can show Shaun the way
SIR – HQ at Twickenham is as far away from Wigan in cultural terms as the moon!

You’ll be happier amongst the Welsh, Shaun. Just ask Jonathan Davies.

But, if you do decide to step on the one-wheeled-chariot, good luck a diolch yn fawr. Ask Jiffy again!

So, please, Roger Lewis, get the cheque book out.
HYWEL EMRYS
Cyncoed

‘Cymro’ Edwards related to Gareth?
SIR – This is a fervent plea to Shaun ‘Cymro’ Edwards.

Shaun bach, you are at home in Wales now, or if you prefer ‘Greater Wigan’.

Here you will, as I’m sure you already know, be embedded in a working-class rugby culture second to none on this planet.

It is a place where the whole nation is lifted by the performances of our beloved Wales. Warren Gatland, Rob Howley and yourself have done a wonderful job with the Welsh side – and I’m sure that you are related to Gareth somewhere down the line.

Ask your mam if she has any relatives in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen? Our family are all positive that you are Welsh, you must be because you are so passionate about your rugby.

Welcome home, Shaun bach. Welcome to Greater Wigan.
THE JOHNSON FAMILY
via e-mail

Stay in the land of your grandfather
SIR – Shaun, it’s good to welcome you home to the land of your grandfather.

Your grandfather probably went to England for work reasons, and now you have come home may you love his homeland as much as he did.

Success to you and your family. Please stay with Wales.
MARION RICHARDS
via e-mail

Don’t blow this one, Welsh Rugby Union
SIR – The Welsh Rugby Union can not afford to make a pig’s ear of this one.

We were told within 24 hours of winning the Grand Slam that Shaun Edwards would be signed, sealed and delivered; on board for the foreseeable future, by the following Wednesday.

But two weeks on and there is still nothing signed, it is all still up in the air and there continues to be plenty of speculation.

If the WRU make a mess of this one there are going to be a lot of angry Welsh rugby supporters out there, I think that much is pretty certain.

So please, please get it sorted out as quickly as possible.

We need Shaun desperately as part of the coaching support.
STEVE RUSSELL
Quakers Yard

Keep Shaun Welsh
SIR – Please keep Shaun Welsh.

MARTYN WATKINS
via e-mail