Edwards could stay with Wales

Shaun Edwards' contract with the Welsh national team has expired (Getty Images)

Chairman Peter Thomas wants former Wasps coach Shaun Edwards to become Cardiff Blues' part-time defence coach. Thomas has put the idea to the Welsh Rugby Union in the hope out-of-contract coach Edwards will accept a combined club and Wales role.

Thomas said: "I'd very much like him [Edwards] to come to the Blues." Edwards left his role as Wasps head coach on Sunday while his Wales contract expired at the end of the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Wales could be without their "foreign-based" players for their 3 December showdown with Australia in Cardiff. Mike Phillips, James Hook and Lee Byrne play in France, while Craig Mitchell, Andy Powell and Dwayne Peel are in England. Non-Welsh clubs do not have to release their players for games outside the International Rugby Board window, unless individual contracts allow for it. The Welsh regions have agreed to release their players for the repeat of the World Cup third-place play-off.

Ireland will play three Tests against New Zealand in June, one of them at a new stadium in the earthquake-damaged city of Christchurch.

The 16 June match will be played at a renovated Rugby League Park which will be home to the Canterbury Crusaders during next year's Super 15 tournament.