Felix Jones to join England coaching team post World Cup

Former Ireland international Felix Jones wil lleave his position as assistant to South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus after the World Cup after it was confirmed he will be part of England's coaching team after the World Cup.

The 35-year-old, who started coaching the Springboks' defence in 2019 but is also responsible for liaising with their European-based players, will be added to Steve Borthwick's coaching ticket post-World Cup, though the exact nature of his role is yet to be revealed.

Jones is the second member of South Africa's 2019 World Cup-winning management team recruited by Borthwick, with Aled Walters set to join from Leicester as head of strength and conditioning at the end of the season.

"Our immediate focus is on preparation for the World Cup," Borthwick said.

"We are continuing to build our programme to be in a position to compete to be world champions once again.

"At the same time, I also want to ensure we are preparing for long-term success for this England team and I’m excited that a coach as talented as Felix is joining next year.

"Felix has been competing at the top of world rugby during his four years with South Africa and will bring invaluable experience to our set up.

"Together with Richard Wigglesworth and Kevin Sinfield, we are putting in place a coaching team who have spent their careers at the highest level competing for trophies. That is exactly what we want for this England team".

Jones won 13 caps for Ireland and was part of the 2015 Six Nations title-winning squad.

After being forced to retire at the age of 28 due to a neck injury he went straight into the coaching staff at Munster, where he worked under Erasmus for the 2016/17 season.

Jones helped Munster to three consecutive Heineken Cup semi-finals