FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Felix Jones has returned to the Springboks set-up as an assistant coach.
Jones won back-to-back World Cups with South Africa in 2019 and 2023 before moving to England and transforming their defence.
However, the ex-Munster fullback resigned from his position with England less than a year later.
And Jones has now made a swift return to Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks coaching ticket.
Since his exit from the South Africa coaching team after the 2023 World Cup, Jones’ former Munster colleague Jerry Flannery has joined the Springboks so they will reconnect now in the Springboks fold.
With Flannery in position as Springboks defence coach and Tony Brown having taken over their attack, it remains to be seen what role Jones fills but they’re delighted to have him back.
“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,” said Erasmus.
“He was a vital cog in the coaching team from 2019 to 2023, and his experience, professionalism, and excellent work ethic will make him a great addition to the fantastic coaching team we built from the beginning of 2024.
“Felix worked very closely with most of our coaches in the past, and I have no doubt he’ll work equally closely with Jerry (Flannery) and Tony (Brown), who joined us last season.
“After spending some time in England, his experience of working in the UK and studying the opposition teams in the Six Nations and other international tournaments will add immense value in assisting us to adapt and improve as we cast an eye on a tough international season ahead.
“As a team we are well aware that we need to keep improving and growing if we want to remain one of the best teams in the world and to give ourselves the best possible chance to defend our World Cup title in Australia in 2027, and Felix, like all the other coaching and support staff, will play a key role in guiding us to do so.”
Out with the old, in with the new. Great chance for Conor. Pretty much guarantees him the Munster no 9 shirt too.
O gara shud be out half for his territorial kicking alone
Where’s Leo??
Savin’ him for the Aussies
Eh…Leo? You can’t seriously be insinuating that he should start ahead of the mighty duo from Munster?
well at the very least he’s head and shoulders above Ryan on the bench!
Ryan can play both lock and blindside flank, where as Leo is exclusively a lock. Not to prejudice Leo, his record peaks for itself, but Ryan is a rising talent and the utility element is hard to ignore for any coach.
I don’t know what a blindside flank is! I’ve just leapt onto the rugby bandwagon! Come on you boys in green come on you boys in green come on you boys come on you boys in green! What’s a scrum half?
Ryan can cover both back row and lock, that’s why he’s there.
dont worry about the yanks………italy will be after our scalp big time, they owe us one from the six nations!!!
I would expect that once the Italy game comes around both teams will be probably Won 2 lost 1 with progression hanging on the outcome of it. don’t expect it to be pretty!
I’ve heard several pundits/experts say that Ferris should play in 2nd row with O Connell against Aussies, with Jennings,Heaslip & O Brien in the back row. Think it would be a good move which would add extra dynamism to the pack.
This looks very much like the team with one or two possible exceptions (Healy for Court) and maybe some tinkering with the backrow that is going to be used for the 1st two games at least.