England Defence Coach Felix Jones Departs Role

Felix Jones, who transitioned into coaching after retiring from playing at age 28 due to a neck injury, has stepped down from his position as England’s defence coach with immediate effect. Jones had submitted his resignation in August, reportedly due to disillusionment within Steve Borthwick’s set-up, but was bound by a 12-month notice period. While England had stated the Irishman was performing “remote analysis” during the Autumn Nations Series, it was subsequently disclosed that Jones was not in communication with the other assistant coaches. In a statement issued on Friday, the Rugby Football Union declared: “The RFU can confirm that England Rugby men’s assistant coach Felix Jones will step down from his role today.” Joe El-Abd assumed Jones’s responsibilities during the autumn campaign, implementing a blitz defence style that had initially been introduced by his predecessor. El-Abd is the third defence coach, following Jones and Kevin Sinfield, to serve under head coach Borthwick, who took charge in 2023. England’s defensive performance was a point of concern during the autumn, as the team conceded an average of four tries per match across their three home defeats against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Borthwick’s squad is set to commence next year’s Six Nations campaign on Saturday, February 1, in Dublin, against defending champions Ireland.