England's Defence Coach Felix Jones Exits Amid Staff Shake-Up

Felix Jones, England’s defence coach, has resigned. His departure follows Aled Walters, head of strength, who left to join Ireland. Jones, part of South Africa’s World Cup team, served them till 2023. The shake-up includes Tom Tombleson's exit, disrupting England’s rugby management under Steve Borthwick.

Defence coach Felix Jones has resigned, becoming the second vital member to exit England's management setup this month, according to British media reports on Saturday. Jones, who joined the team in October 2023, stepped down just weeks after Aled Walters, the head of strength and conditioning under head coach Steve Borthwick, left to join the Irish team.

Additionally, Tom Tombleson, a long-serving conditioning staff member, has also announced his departure this month. Borthwick has praised Jones and Walters as an "integral part" of South Africa's Rugby World Cup 2019-winning squad during their appointment.

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