Felix Jones Resigns Amid Changes in England Rugby

The recent news have indicated that once again Steve Borthwick’s coaching staff has seen a time of great change, with the resignation of the defence coach, Felix Jones, a month after the departure of head of strength and conditioning, Aled Walters who has since signed with Ireland.

Felix Jones, former Ireland international, has been with England for ten months, joining from South Africa where they won two world cups. England’s defence has been implementing blitz defences, with the defence coach seeing an improvement despite the many drawbacks. Steve Borthwick, the England forward coach, has been working with some of the top experienced coaches such as the previous defence coach, John Mitchell. The recent games against New Zealand had shown positive results form Jones’ strategies. Although the resignation has been made, Jones is not expected to leave immediately. His contract with the Rugby Football Union has a condition for 12-month proof, henceforth he is likely to stay until next summer. It is likely for England not to change its defence coach soon, as the team is preparing for the upcoming fixtures including a match against the All Backs at Twickenham.

Their departure from Steve Borthwick’s team raises question on the leadership. Jones and Walters had known each other from their days in Munster and South African team, before working together in Munster since 2016, and England since 2020. Their resignations therefore suggest that they are not happy with some of the coach’s strategies, which is the same situation England Rugby was in during Eddie Jones’ reign.

Further, another significant member of the team, Kevin Sinfield, has had his role changed. As a playing member of the team, his duty remains uncertain. He can be used as a coach for training the players due to the rapport he had developed with the entire team. However, no specific position has been provided for him as he will remain with the team as long as the players feel comfortable with him. Thus, it will be the players who decide on the appointment of Sinfield. In the near future, there is a round of autumn internationals. The entire coaching team will have to demonstrate their effectiveness because of the limited time with the team due to these changes.

Such an event can impact England because of the loss of a friend for Borthwick. Less than a week before his departure, Borthwick claimed that Jones’s defensive tactic with players who do not train in full conditions was an innovation. At the same time, everything that is happening with the coaching staff can be used as an additional impetus, meaning that changes in rugby strategy will occur in the foreseeable future. Another possible consequence is the implications resulting from all these backstage processes. If anything, some other well-performing member of the coaching staff may decide to leave rugby. Thus, the leadership should try to keep the rest of the coaching team and perhaps enhance the coaching team.

People who accept decisions quickly are more successful. So, the previous head coach of the team always accepted changes and adapted effectively. It will probably help Borthwick to develop a strategy for his successful internship.