Steve Borthwick blown away by 'groundbreaking' Felix Jones impact

Felix Jones is one of the hottest coaching commodities in rugby, and Steve Borthwick is bursting to see what the Irishman can do with England.

Jones, who was forced to retire due to injury at the age of 28, has already amassed an elite CV in coaching, assisting Munster to a Pro12 final in 2017 as well as three successive Champions Cup semi-final appearances, before being drafted into the South Africa coaching set-up by Rassie Erasmus, and contributing to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.

Still just 36, the former Ireland international is starting a new chapter in his career in the coming weeks, linking up with England as Steve Borthwick's new defence coach, where he will be replacing Kevin Sinfield.

And the England head coach says he's already been blown away by the ex-Munster full-back's attention to detail.

"He's one of the most intense people I have ever met, and if I can tell you that, it's saying something," Borthwick said at the launch of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

"Meeting with him, being on the phone with him, having a conversation with him for an hour, and not getting a word in because he has so much rugby knowledge, it is unreal. And a work ethic that is astounding.

"And I have seen people who have worked very hard. This guy, I don't know whether he sleeps. Because the amount of material that he works through, the amount he sends me, what he talks about. So he has the work ethic."

Jones' specific role as defence coach was only confirmed at the start of January, but his move from South Africa to England had been well flagged, with the RFU confirming his appointment shortly after the conclusion of the 2023 Six Nations.

And Borthwick (above) continued his glowing praise of his new assistant.

"He has the