England ‘not speaking to Felix Jones’ ahead of huge Springboks clash: Planet Rugby

England are unsure how committed exiled coach Felix Jones actually is ahead of their crucial match with the Springboks.

The 37-year-old is currently serving his 12-month notice period after announcing he is stepping down from his role as the country’s defense coach.

Jones joined the Red Rose in early 2024 from South Africa, where he had spent the previous four years helping them to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles.

While the Boks’ game has inevitably evolved and changed somewhat since then, the Irishman’s experience with Rassie Erasmus’ set-up could have been very useful.

No contact

However, according to attacking coach Richard Wigglesworth, he has not had any contact with Jones and is unsure how involved the former Republic of Ireland international is at the moment.

“I haven’t spoken to him,” Wigglesworth said. “I don’t know (if he provided analysis). He’s behind the scenes, it’s not up to me (to say). For the analysis guys and other people… he was obviously defense and that side of it, so…

“I’m sure his knowledge of South Africa has been taken advantage of, but their coaches have (also) changed since he was there. They play a slightly different style.”

Jones is currently working remotely and would likely take on the role of analyst, while Joe El-Abd is now the defensive line coach.

“We don’t have any contact with Felix,” center Henry Slade said. “I’m not sure if the coaches do that or not. We’ve been working with Joe and our defensive leaders, trying to get the defense and the team on defense as best we can.

“Obviously things haven’t gone well and if everyone isn’t on the same page – some people are flying, some people aren’t – things are looking a bit shabby.

“The thing about the blitz is you have to fully commit, go all in and be together. Then it becomes strong.”

How to watch England vs Springboks at Twickenham: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time

Banned

It was claimed that Jones was “dissatisfied with the unstable working environment”, with the former Boks coach subsequently banned from the group ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.

He was told not to attend the training and appears to have had little involvement in their campaign so far.

Since making these changes to the coaching staff, England have succumbed in their previous two Tests, including a shock defeat to Australia.

The 42 points conceded against the Wallabies was the joint second highest by an opposition team at Twickenham in what was a poor start for El-Abd.

And it appears Borthwick won’t be asking for any help from Jones, who was the one to implement the Springboks-style blitz.

Wigglesworth could not provide clarity when asked whether the Irishman was still employed by the RFU.

“I couldn’t tell you,” he said. ‘I haven’t spoken to him. I know he works for us – behind the scenes – but I haven’t spoken to him.”

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