England defence coach Felix Jones has handed in his resignation.
His exit is a shock growth that continues the current upheaval to Steve Borthwick’s backroom workers.
Jones has been an essential 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 steering of Rassie Erasmus.
The 37-year-old former Eire worldwide was answerable 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 slim defeats in Dunedin and Auckland.
Though Jones has handed in his resignation, the PA information company understands his contract incorporates a 12-month discover interval that might preserve him in place till subsequent summer time if triggered by the Rugby Soccer Union.
Information of his shock departure comes within the wake of influential head of power and conditioning Aled Walters dropping an equally surprising bombshell by defecting to Eire.
Walters was an influential voice on the coaching subject whose involvement prolonged past his S&C duties and he was joined by means of the exit door by Tom Tombleson, a long-serving member of the conditioning workers.
The uncertainty surrounding the England administration group consists of Kevin Sinfield, the rugby league nice who was demoted to expertise coach to accommodate Jones’ arrival.
Sinfield was poised to step down after the current tour to Japan and New Zealand however his recognition amongst the gamers, in addition to his expertise, was seen as too precious to lose.
Nonetheless, an extension of his keep and in what capability has but to be confirmed.
Jones’ want to go away 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.
However the churn of backroom workers – a damaging 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 are actually the one confirmed members of Borthwick’s administration group heading into the autumn.
The All Blacks’ go to to Twickenham on November 2 opens a schedule that continues with fixtures in opposition to 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 prospects entry to over 50 per cent extra reside sport this 12 months at no additional value. Discover out extra right here.