Felix Jones barred from England camp as RFU attempt to avoid repeat of Eddie Jones situation
England defence coach Felix Jones and former boss Eddie Jones.
Felix Jones has been sidelined by England after his decision to depart the set-up following their tour to New Zealand.
The Irishman only joined the Red Rose at the start of 2024 after helping the Springboks to successive Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.
Jones took on the role of defence coach and has been credited with revolutionising their system, creating a South Africa-style blitz rearguard.
It had a few teething issues early on but soon became a key part of England’s armoury and was a useful weapon in both the Six Nations and during their Test series with the All Blacks.
Shock departure
However, the 37-year-old resigned in August with the former Munster back reportedly “unhappy with the unstable working environment.”
Jones will not be short of offers when he leaves the set-up, but that will not happen for another 12 months as he serves his notice period as requested by the RFU.
Despite still being involved with England, it has been widely reported that the highly-rated coach will not be involved in camp and will instead work remotely from his home in Ireland.
It was announced recently that Oyonnax director of rugby Joe El-Abd would be replacing Jones as England’s defence coach and that he would start work ahead of their 2024 end-of-year campaign.
El-Abd is combining his new job at the Red Rose with his club duties in France before joining Steve Borthwick’s men on a full-time basis when his contract ends next year.
“I feel incredibly honoured to join the England coaching team, and I can’t wait to get started,” El-Abd said.
“I am excited by the direction in which this England team is headed and where they want to go under Steve’s leadership. His enthusiasm is infectious, and his vision for this team is clear.
“Defence is a huge part of the game and it’s something I’m extremely passionate about. I am excited by the opportunity to keep developing a defence that will help drive England’s success.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Oyonnax rugby, especially [president] Dougal Bendjaballah for understanding my deep desire to coach the England national team.”
Told to stay away
Jones will be involved in the transition period in regards to his successor, but it is understood that he will not attend training after being told to stay away from England camp.
Instead, he is to provide remote support to Borthwick and his backroom staff by offering tactical analysis until his notice period has been completed.
According to the Telegraph, the RFU will “not stand in his way” should the British and Irish Lions come calling, but that he will not be allowed to join another international team.
The governing body are attempting to avoid the situation they found themselves in with Eddie Jones, which saw the former Red Rose head coach join a potential Rugby World Cup rival – the Wallabies – just over a month after he was sacked in December 2022.
READ MORE: England stars ‘shocked’ by coaching duo’s exits as they are left puzzled by ‘odd timing’
