The former defence coach of the Welsh rugby team has praised Newbridge-born hooker Elliot Dee and admitted he didn’t want to leave his role with Wales.
Speaking at a function at Bedwas rugby club, Shaun Edwards said he was a “big fan” of Dee, who used to play for Bedwas.
Edwards said: “He’s still young. Ken Owens became a starter and a Lion at 25 and I can see Elliot Dee going the same way.
“I feel he will take over the starting role in two or three years and can become a British Lion.”
Edwards, who is taking over as defence coach at the French national team, admitted he didn’t want to leave his role with Wales, but France were the only team willing to offer him his preferred four-year deal.
He said that with two young children, he needed the security a four-year deal gave him, as opposed to the two year deal Wales were offering.
But Edwards said his biggest regret with Wales was not reaching a World Cup final, and said the side should have won more Six Nations titles during his time at the helm with Warren Gatland.
Going into his new role across the channel, he cited discipline and kicking as two areas France need to improve.
Despite being born and bred in Wigan and having represented England at rugby league, Edwards said he “loved” beating England with Wales.
The event was held on Saturday, November 30, with more than 100 guests attending the event to watch Wales, under the stewardship of new coach Wayne Pivac, beat Gatland’s Barbarians side 43-33.
Edwards gave his half-time and full-time analysis, before taking questions from the audience.
The event also saw former Bedwas director of rugby, Mark Lewis receive an award for outstanding contribution to the club.
An auction was held on the night, with a signed Liverpool FC jersey from the 2019 Champions League final, alongside a signed ticket and programme signed by manager Jurgen Klopp, going for £2,700.
Meanwhile, a Fosters Cup winning Bedwas jersey went in auction for £90, with all proceeds going into the club’s youth setup.