THE Welsh Rugby Union have made a U-turn and put the block on defence coach Shaun Edwards accepting a part-time role with French heavyweights Toulon.

The rugby league legend had been set to coach the three-time European champions one day a week to gain extra experience and pick up fresh ideas.

However, the governing body have now reversed their decision, citing a late change of role by the Top 14 runners-up.

A statement read: "Whilst we encourage coaching staff gaining experience in other environments, the scope of the opportunity at Toulon has changed and would represent an unacceptable compromise."

Edwards agreed a four-year extension to his contract with the Welsh Rugby Union last year that will take him through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan. Fellow coaches Rob Howley and Robin McBryde have also penned fresh deals to work under boss Warren Gatland.

The 49-year-old Wiganer has worked under Gatland with Wales since 2008 after forming a formidable partnership with Wasps.

They have won three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, and got to a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, although things haven't gone as well in recent years with Wales fresh from a summer whitewash of three losses to New Zealand, a pre-Tour defeat to England and an embarrassing thumping by Super Rugby side the Chiefs.

Wales currently share conditioning coach Paul Stridgeon with Toulon, although the Top 14 play-offs meant that he was not available for the summer matches.