Felix Jones sensationally quits as England defence coach after just eight months in role

After defection of Aled Walters to Ireland, Jones’s shock exit raises questions about nature of working environment under Steve Borthwick

Felix Jones has sensationally resigned as England defence coach after just eight months in the role to leave Steve Borthwick’s backroom staff in tatters.
Jones was part of the South African coaching team that helped the Springboks win back-to-back World Cups before joining the England set-up to much fanfare at the start of the year.
The 37-year-old was given free rein to implement a highly aggressive blitz defence system that was starting to bear fruit as England defeated Six Nations champions Ireland at Twickenham and further encouraging displays.
Yet following on from the recent defection of Aled Walters, the highly rated head of strength and conditioning, to Ireland under Andy Farrell and the departure of fellow fitness coach Tom Tombleson, Jones’s shock exit will raise questions about the nature of the working environment under Borthwick.
The position of Kevin Sinfield, the assistant skills coach, also remains unclear despite Borthwick indicating that he wished for him to remain on board following the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand.
Unlike Walters, who was allowed to join the Ireland set-up, Telegraph Sport understands that the Rugby Football Union intends to hold Jones to working his 12-month notice period. In theory, this could impact his chances of joining the Lions where he was one of the leading candidates to become defence coach.
It is understood that Jones’ departure is connected to Walters’ exit, after they established a very close relationship from working together at Munster and then the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus.
A source close to Jones also suggested that he was unhappy with his brief as defence coach. When the RFU announced in March 2023 that Jones would be joining Borthwick’s team following the World Cup, it was believed that he would be given responsibility to run the attack. However, when it was announced that Sinfield would step down as defence coach before the start of this year’s Six Nations, Jones ended up filling that vacancy with Richard Wigglesworth remaining in charge of the attack.
The recruitment process for successors to Walters and Tombleson, who was pushed rather than jumped, is well advanced. One role has already been filled and another preferred candidate has emerged, but Borthwick must not only find a successor to Jones but decide whether to maintain the blitz system they have put so much work into.
Under Borthwick’s predecessor, Eddie Jones, England’s backroom staff went through such a high turnover that the RFU ceased to confirm many comings and goings. While it initially seemed that there was more stability under Borthwick, he is known to demand the highest of standards from his assistant coaches.
The RFU has yet to publicly comment upon Jones’ exit.
This would complete a merry-go-round and it is doubtful that Sinfield wants a full-time role, but he oversaw England’s defence in the first year of the Borthwick regime.
Maro Itoje publicly praised the Welshman after collaborating with him on the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa. He would need to be prised away from Scotland, though.
A huge hit in his first year at Northampton Saints, steeling the East Midlands outfit and helping them to the Premiership title. Would require a change of system, as Radford does not operate a blitz.
Is now the time for Edwards to return to these shores? Amid leakier defensive displays from France this year, there have been whispers that he could move on. It would be a very popular coup.
If Borthwick is wedded to the blitz, he could turn to the man that implemented the same system at Exeter Chiefs. Mouneimne, like Jones, is a former colleague of Jacques Nienaber, the South African coach currently in charge of Leinster.
A leftfield – and cheaper – option would be to switch Wigglesworth to defence. Leon Macdonald is on the market as a potential attack coach, which makes for intriguing timing.
Having just traded Harlequins for the Springboks, this is surely a no-go, or at least one that would require serious negotiations. Still, there are plenty of Harlequins that would vouch for Flannery.
He worked alongside Borthwick as an early lieutenant of Eddie Jones and enjoyed success with England. Stade Français, his current club, achieved a second-place finish in the Top 14 last season.