Coach Felix Jones has stunned the rugby world by making a surprising move back to the South Africa coaching staff after resigning from his role with England. The acclaimed coach, who was an assistant with the England team, has now decided to return to the Springboks, where he previously worked as a defence consultant and played a crucial role in their Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.
Jones’s departure from the England coaching staff last year raised eyebrows as he left after just eight Tests as defence coach, citing an unstable working environment as the reason for his resignation. Despite being held to a 12-month notice period, during which he provided remote analysis for the Autumn Nations series, Jones officially stepped down from his role in December.
Now, the 37-year-old coach is set to reunite with Rassie Erasmus, the head coach of the Springboks, for the upcoming Rugby World Cup cycle. Erasmus expressed his excitement about Jones’s return, highlighting his experience, professionalism, and work ethic that made him a valuable asset to the coaching team.
Speaking about Jones’s reappointment, Erasmus stated, “We are delighted to welcome Felix back into the Springbok team and we are excited to see him pick up where he left off in 2023.” He also emphasised the importance of Jones’s experience in the UK, where he studied opposition teams in international tournaments like the Six Nations, which will bring immense value to the South African team.
As the Springboks gear up for a challenging international season ahead and aim to defend their World Cup title in 2027, Erasmus believes that Jones, along with the rest of the coaching and support staff, will play a vital role in guiding the team towards continued success. Jones’s collaborative approach with the coaching staff, including new additions like Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown, is expected to enhance the team’s performance and strategic capabilities.
Jones is expected to start his new role in the coming days, marking a significant development in his coaching career and the South Africa rugby team. His return to the Springboks has generated excitement among fans and players alike, as they anticipate the positive impact and contributions he will make to the team’s success on the international stage.
In a surprising turn of events, former England assistant coach Felix Jones has made a sensational switch back to the South Africa coaching staff. His decision to rejoin the Springboks after a brief stint with England has sparked discussions and intrigue within the rugby community, as fans eagerly await to see the impact of his return on the team’s performance and future prospects.