Felix Jones Returns to Springboks Coaching Staff After England Resignation
Felix Jones returns to the Springboks as a coach after resigning from his position with England. He resigned last August, later settling with the Rugby Football Union in December. Jones’s experience is expected to benefit South Africa as they prepare for future international competitions, including the 2027 World Cup. Meanwhile, England has appointed Joe El-Abd as his replacement.
Felix Jones is poised to rejoin the Springboks coaching staff following his resignation as England’s rugby defense coach. Jones initially submitted his resignation to Steve Borthwick in August and worked remotely from Ireland until he reached a settlement with the Rugby Football Union in December. His departure came after his close friend Aled Walters, the head of strength and conditioning, also left the England setup, which significantly impacted the team during the autumn season.
Upon his return to the Springboks, the specifics of Jones’s new role within Rassie Erasmus’s coaching team are yet to be established. Erasmus expressed enthusiasm about Jones’s return, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Felix back into the Springbok team and are excited to see him pick up where he left off in 2023.” He commended Jones’s vital contributions to the coaching team from 2019 to 2023 and emphasized the Irishman’s professionalism and work ethic.
Erasmus noted that Jones’s extensive experience, especially from his time in England, would be invaluable in preparing the Springboks for upcoming international challenges. The coaching staff is keenly aware of the need for continued improvement to maintain their status among the world’s elite teams and to defend their World Cup title in Australia in 2027. Meanwhile, England has appointed Joe El-Abd as Jones’s successor as defense coach ahead of the autumn season, marking a new chapter for the English rugby team.
Felix Jones’s return to the Springboks signifies a strategic reinforcement of the coaching staff after his brief tenure with England. His wealth of experience and previous success with the South African team bode well for their preparations for upcoming competitions. The changes within the England coaching setup reflect ongoing shifts in the rugby landscape, as teams adapt and evolve in pursuit of success on the international stage.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
