Jones quits as England defence coach, reports say

Defence coach Felix Jones has become the second key figure in England’s management set-up to leave this month, British media reported on Saturday.

Jones, who joined in October 2023, resigned weeks after the departure of Aled Walters, head of strength and conditioning under head coach Steve Borthwick, quit to join the Ireland team, the reports said.

Tom Tombleson, a long-serving member of the conditioning staff, also announced his departure this month.

Borthwick praised Jones and Walters as an “integral part” of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup 2019-winning side when they were appointed.

Jones remained with the Springboks as a coaching consultant through the 2023 World Cup where they successfully defended their title.