Bok assistant now England's defence coach

NEWS: England finally revealed how double World Cup winner Felix Jones will fit in their coaching set-up.

SA Rugby confirmed in March 2023 that Felix Jones will part ways with the team at the end of 2023.

Jones joined the Springboks in 2019 as a defence consultant, accompanying the team to Japan where they lifted the Webb Ellis Cup. He continued to work with the Springboks and helped them to back-to-back World Cup titles in October in France.

The former Ireland fullback’s coaching career will take another incredible turn as he will join England as their defence coach.

Jones will link up with Kevin Sinfield, who moves to coaching individual skills and the kickers.

“I am tremendously excited to start working with Felix who is a coach with an incredible reputation and with vast experience in international rugby,” England head coach Steve Borthwick said.

“With his background in Irish rugby and his wealth of knowledge operating in the southern hemisphere. He will bring a different dimension to our coaching team.”

Richard Wigglesworth continues as attack coach and Tom Harrison remains in charge of the scrum.

Meanwhile, another big name joining England’s coaching team is Andrew Strawbridge.

The 59-year-old Kiwi was recently part of the New Zealand team set-up as a skills consultant where he helped the All Blacks to the silver medal at the 2023 World Cup.

“Andrew is another coach with a wealth of knowledge,” Borthwick said.

“He has worked extensively and successfully in Super Rugby and international rugby, most recently with New Zealand to help them to the final of the 2023 World Cup.

“Andrew has an incredible reputation in player development and has helped a large number of players progress to be amongst the best in the world. His work around the contact area is incredibly highly regarded, ensuring teams have the quick ball needed to launch a threatening attack.

“I can’t wait for him to join the team and add the enormous value that I know he will bring.”