England defence coach Felix Jones has handed in his resignation.
His exit is a shock improvement that continues the current upheaval to Steve Borthwick’s backroom employees.
Jones has been an necessary 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 chargeable 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 accommodates a 12-month discover interval that might preserve him in place till subsequent summer season 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 sudden bombshell by defecting to Eire.
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New Zealand’s Mark Tele’a touches down within the nook for his second rating of the second Check in opposition to England.
Walters was an influential voice on the coaching area whose involvement prolonged past his S&C duties and he was joined by way of the exit door by Tom Tombleson, a long-serving member of the conditioning employees.
The uncertainty surrounding the England administration workforce 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 invaluable to lose.
Nevertheless, 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 robust working relationship whereas serving beneath Erasmus with Munster after which South Africa.
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Highlights of New Zealand’s thrilling win over England within the opening Check in Dunedin.
However the churn of backroom employees – 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 guide Andrew Strawbridge at the moment are the one confirmed members of Borthwick’s administration workforce 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 can be concerned.
Borthwick will see the event as an enormous setback having repeatedly hailed the affect made by Jones, whose data he has described as “groundbreaking”.
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