England Men head coach Steve Borthwick has appointed Felix Jones to join his coaching team from 2024.
Following a playing career that saw him represent Ireland 23 times between 2007 and 2015, Felix was an assistant coach for three years at Munster, before joining South Africa as an assistant coach in 2019.
“Our immediate focus is on preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2023,” said Borthwick.
“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 am 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. Like with Aled Walters, Felix was an integral part of the team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
“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.”
Richard Wigglesworth, Assistant Coach and Aled Walters, Head of Strength and Conditioning will join Head Coach Steve Borthwick and Defence Coach Kevin Sinfield at the end of the Premiership season. Recruitment is now underway for a new forwards coach and additional specialist coaches will be brought in to support the England team during the preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“No Marcus Smith” – How England would line-up under Andy Farrell
Andy Farrell praised the joined-up thinking of Irish rugby and insisted he has no reason to return home for a job in England.
Since being sacked by the RFU after the 2015 World Cup, Farrell has forged a reputation as one of the game’s leading coaches, steering Ireland to No 1 in the world rankings.
England made enquiries about bringing him back to Twickenham when Eddie Jones was sacked, but was told where to go by their former employee.
Below, we take a look at the team we think Farrell would name considering his current Ireland selection.
How England would line-up under Andy Farrell:
Back-three:
#15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
#14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
#11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Centre:
#13. Elliot Daly (Saracens)
#12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
