Wasps boss Edwards was this week brought in as defence coach by new team chief Warren Gatland as part of Wales’ post-World Cup shake-up.

Edwards will combine the role with his Wasps duties and is convinced he can handle the extra responsibilities.

“Statistics don’t lie. We are are 10th in the world at the moment and I would like to think we can climb that ladder,” the rugby league legend told the Welsh Rugby Union website, www.wru.com.

“The first thing we need to do is put more emphasis on the defensive side of the game – that is the area where most improvement needs to be made.

“The great Welsh team of the ’70s – every time they finished top of the defensive charts, they won the championship.

“There is no denying the fact the teams with the best defences usually win the trophies.

“If there is an improvement on the defensive side I am a big believer in that results will look after themselves.”

Edwards recently revealed his ambition to extend himself further by moving into international rugby and he believes linking up with his former Wasps boss Gatland is ideal.

The Rugby Football Union offered, but later withdrew, an offer to coach the England Saxons team but Edwards was keen to be involved with a first team. He also likes the fact that, with Wales, he can stay on at Wasps.

“I’m very happy it’s all worked out and I can work with Warren again and have a crack at international rugby,” he said.

“The lure of international rugby (appealed) and the fact I can keep my job at Wasps, which is very important to me. I’ve shown that by extending my contract. It’s been a second home to me.

“It is the ideal scenario for me that I can do both jobs. I feel the amount of time international coaches spend not coaching is not ideal for me because I like to be busy all the time.

“I am quite comfortable with it. It is very exciting and a huge challenge.”