Felix Jones has rejoined the South African rugby coaching team as an assistant coach after a successful tenure from 2019 to 2023. He will work alongside Jerry Flannery, the newly appointed defence coach. Rassie Erasmus praised Jones’s contributions, stating that his experience will be crucial for preparing the team for upcoming challenges, particularly in their quest to defend their World Cup title in 2027.
Felix Jones has been appointed as an assistant coach for the South African national rugby team, following Rassie Erasmus’s efforts to finalize his coaching staff for the upcoming World Cup cycle. Jones previously served as a defence consultant from 2019 until 2023, playing a crucial role in securing back-to-back World Cups for the Springboks in Japan and France.
After a troubled stint as an assistant coach with England post-2023 World Cup, which culminated in his resignation last August, Jones is returning to South Africa’s coaching team. He will reunite with his former teammate Jerry Flannery, who recently became the team’s defence coach.
Rassie Erasmus expressed joy at welcoming Jones back, emphasizing his integral role in the coaching setup and his dedication, professionalism, and work ethic. Erasmus noted that Jones’s familiarity with the coaching staff, including Flannery and Tony Brown, will facilitate seamless collaboration as they prepare for the challenging international season ahead.
Erasmus highlighted that Jones’s experience in the UK and knowledge of opposition teams in the Six Nations and other tournaments will be invaluable. He stressed the imperative for continual improvement to maintain South Africa’s status among the world’s top rugby teams in anticipation of defending their World Cup title in Australia in 2027.
The appointment of Felix Jones as an assistant coach is a strategic move by Rassie Erasmus as he assembles a strong coaching team for the next World Cup cycle. Jones’s prior experience and familiarity with the coaching staff are expected to greatly assist the Springboks in their preparation for future competitions. With the goal of defending their World Cup title in 2027, the team will benefit from enhanced collaboration and strategic insights.
Original Source: www.rte.ie
