Felix Jones returns to the Springboks coaching staff following his resignation as England’s rugby defence coach. After a settlement with the RFU, he is set to contribute his expertise once more, having played a crucial role in South Africa’s recent successes. Rassie Erasmus has expressed optimism about Jones’ impact as the team prepares for future challenges, including defending their World Cup title.
Felix Jones has been reinstated into the Springboks’ coaching staff following his recent resignation from his position with England’s rugby team. Jones, who had submitted his resignation last August, agreed to a settlement with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in December, permitting him to pursue new opportunities. His initial acquisition was a significant achievement for England’s coach Steve Borthwick, considering his previous success with the Springboks, wherein he contributed to their consecutive World Cup victories under Rassie Erasmus.
After two years in his role, Jones vacated his position soon after the exit of his close colleague, Aled Walters, the head of strength and conditioning, resulting in a considerable impact on England’s performance during the autumn games. With his return to the Springboks, the specifics of his responsibilities within Erasmus’ coaching staff are yet to be fully defined.
Rassie Erasmus expressed enthusiasm regarding Jones’ return, stating, “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 praised Jones as a significant contributor to the coaching team from 2019 to 2023. Erasmus highlighted the value of Jones’ insights from his experience in the United Kingdom and his analysis of competing teams.
The Springboks are determined to remain competitive on the international stage, striving for excellence as they prepare to defend their World Cup title in Australia in 2027. The addition of Jones is viewed as pivotal, aligning with their goal to enhance their performance moving forward. England has appointed Joe El-Abd as Jones’ successor, who will fulfill dual responsibilities until the conclusion of the club season in France’s ProD2.
Felix Jones has returned to South Africa’s Springboks coaching staff after a brief tenure with England, aiming to leverage his previous successful experience. His reinstatement is seen as a strategic move for the Springboks as they prepare for future international competitions, particularly the upcoming World Cup. The coaching team, under Rassie Erasmus’ leadership, remains committed to maintaining their elite status in global rugby.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
