The 34-year-old ex-Wigan player has accepted an offer to join the coaching staff at Zurich Premiership club Wasps.

"Subject to getting the all-clear from the specialist, I'll be joining Wasps next week," said Edwards, who retired from playing 16 months ago after a neck injury.

"It's obviously a big change," he admitted.

"I've a lot to learn but I'm a fast learner and I'd like to think I could make a good impression in rugby union.

"I'll be one of the assistant coaches, working not just on defence but mainly on attack."

Edwards last week turned down the chance to become head coach at Super League club Warrington because a return north would have disrupted his personal life.

"Wasps is very near where my little boy lives and that was a massive part of my decision," he said.

League legend

Edwards played in 584 club and representative matches and won 36 caps in a 17-year career in league.

In that time, he scored 325 tries, and made a record 11 Challenge Cup final appearances.

Edwards follows several ex-league stars who have moved to a coaching career in the 15-man game.

Ex-Great Britain coaches Phil Larder and Ellery Hanley work for England's union team while former Wigan centre Joe Lydon is the under-19 coach.

Another former GB boss, Andy Goodway, recently joined Northampton as a defensive consultant.