England defence coach Felix Jones has handed in his resignation.
His exit is a shock growth that continues the latest upheaval to Steve Borthwick’s backroom employees.
Jones has been an vital determine for England since his recruitment 10 months in the past from South Africa, who he helped win back-to-back World Cups beneath the steerage of Rassie Erasmus.
The 37-year-old former Eire worldwide was liable for introducing the blitz defence that was beginning to bear fruit after some teething issues early within the Six Nations.
Its aggressive nature troubled New Zealand in July when England fell to slender defeats in Dunedin and Auckland.
Though Jones has handed in his resignation, the PA information company understands his contract accommodates a 12-month discover interval that might hold him in place till subsequent summer season if triggered by the Rugby Soccer Union.
Information of his shock departure comes within the wake of influential head of energy and conditioning Aled Walters dropping an equally sudden bombshell by defecting to Eire.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
New Zealand’s Mark Tele’a touches down within the nook for his second rating of the second Check towards England.
Walters was an influential voice on the coaching area whose involvement prolonged past his S&C duties and he was joined via the exit door by Tom Tombleson, a long-serving member of the conditioning employees.
The uncertainty surrounding the England administration crew consists of Kevin Sinfield, the rugby league nice who was demoted to abilities coach to accommodate Jones’ arrival.
Sinfield was poised to step down after the latest tour to Japan and New Zealand however his recognition amongst the gamers, in addition to his expertise, was seen as too priceless to lose.
Nonetheless, an extension of his keep and in what capability has but to be confirmed.
Jones’ need to depart is known to be linked to Walters’ departure, with the 2 forming a powerful working relationship whereas serving beneath Erasmus with Munster after which South Africa.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Highlights of New Zealand’s thrilling win over England within the opening Check in Dunedin.
However the churn of backroom employees – a harmful theme of the Eddie Jones period – additionally asks questions of Borthwick’s strategies.
Assault coach Richard Wigglesworth, scrum coach Tom Harrison and training marketing consultant Andrew Strawbridge at the moment are the one confirmed members of Borthwick’s administration crew heading into the autumn.
The All Blacks’ go to to Twickenham on November 2 opens a schedule that continues with fixtures towards Australia, South Africa and Japan and it stays to be seen if Jones will probably be concerned.
Borthwick will see the event as an enormous setback having repeatedly hailed the influence made by Jones, whose data he has described as “groundbreaking”.
Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and will probably be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra stay sport this yr at no further value. Discover out extra right here.
