England rocked by second coaching exit in space of a month – report
England defence coach Felix Jones.
England have suffered a second coaching setback in the space of a month after defence coach Felix Jones tendered his resignation, according to a report.
The shock news comes after head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters also departed his post in the men’s squad to sign with the Irish Rugby Football Union.
The Times reports that Jones exits his position at the Rugby Football Union due to becoming “unhappy with an unstable working environment” in the England set-up.
Brief stint with England
Jones was part of the Springboks team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023 before joining England men’s outfit in what is a brief tenure at Twickenham.
His arrival in Steve Borthwick’s camp was therefore greeted with real excitement and England would finish the 2024 Six Nations in third position thanks to three victories.
England suffer huge blow as ‘world class’ coach departs for Ireland
The Red Rose would later travel to Japan where they sealed an impressive 52-17 victory over the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo en route to tackle New Zealand in a two-Test series.
England would lose both games narrowly with a 16-15 defeat in Dunedin followed by a 24-17 loss in Auckland, with their defence frustrating Scott Robertson’s new charges.
But upon the team’s return home there has been turmoil in the backroom team as both Walters and Jones have confirmed their abrupt departures, rocking Borthwick’s outfit.
“I am delighted to join the Ireland men’s team and am excited about the opportunity to work with such a talented group of coaches and players,” Walters said after his exit.
“The Ireland team has gone from strength to strength in recent years and it’s an exciting time to rejoin Irish rugby as the team looks to achieve more success in the years to come.
“I’ve made some great memories coaching England, and I want to thank Steve, the management team and the players for their friendship and support. I wish the squad every success for the future.”
Although Jones has handed in his resignation, the PA news agency understands his contract contains a 12-month notice period that would keep him in place until next summer if triggered by the Rugby Football Union.
The uncertainty surrounding the England management team includes Kevin Sinfield, the rugby league great who was demoted to skills coach to accommodate Jones’ arrival.
Sinfield was poised to step down after the recent tour to Japan and New Zealand but his popularity amongst the players, as well as his experience, was seen as too valuable to lose.
However, an extension of his stay and in what capacity has yet to be confirmed.
Double departure
Jones’ desire to leave is understood to be linked to Walters’ departure, with the two forming a strong working relationship while serving under Rassie Erasmus with Munster and then South Africa.
But the churn of backroom staff – a destructive theme of the Eddie Jones era – also asks questions of Borthwick’s methods.
Attack coach Richard Wigglesworth, scrum coach Tom Harrison and coaching consultant Andrew Strawbridge are now the only confirmed members of Borthwick’s management team heading into the autumn.
The All Blacks’ visit to Twickenham on November 2 opens a schedule that continues with fixtures against Australia, South Africa and Japan and it remains to be seen if Jones will be involved.
Borthwick will see the development as a huge setback having repeatedly hailed the impact made by Jones, whose knowledge he has described as “groundbreaking”.
