England coach quits to join international rivals with immediate effect
Rugby NewsThursday, 27 February 2025 at 11:15
Felix Jones is heading back to South Africa. The Irishman will reunite with Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks from March 1, 2025, as SA Rugby has confirmed his return.
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Jones, a key part of South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs, spent 2024 with England before calling it quits after a chaotic year under Steve Borthwick. He resigned in December, reportedly frustrated with an “unstable working environment.”
Rassie welcomes Jones back
Now, he’s back where he made his name. Erasmus unveiled his new-look management team on Thursday, with Jones joining as an assistant coach alongside new appointments Lance Lemmetjies (physiotherapist) and Robyn Moore (team dietician).
“We are delighted to welcome Felix back,” said Erasmus. “He was a vital cog in our 2019 and 2023 World Cup wins, and his experience will be invaluable as we build towards Australia 2027.”
A Six Nations advantage?
Erasmus also hinted that Jones’ time with England could be a secret weapon for the Springboks:
“After spending time in the UK, his knowledge of Six Nations teams and international opposition will help us improve as we prepare for a massive season ahead.”
Jones now slots into a coaching group that includes Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown, with the Springboks looking to cement their status as the world’s No.1 team.
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Antoine Dupont didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent so far
Let’s dive into why these three legends have earned Dupont’s respect and what makes them so hard to beat.
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Beauden Barrett – The All Blacks' Game-Changer
If anyone can make even Dupont sweat, it’s Beauden Barrett. New Zealand’s speedster isn’t just lightning fast—his rugby IQ is next level. Whether he’s running the show at fly-half or sweeping in at full-back, Barrett’s ability to read the game and create opportunities is unmatched.
With over 100 international caps and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, Barrett’s legacy is already cemented. His breakneck pace, combined with silky offloads, make him a nightmare to defend. Dupont knows better than anyone how dangerous Barrett can be.
Game-changing ability? Through the roof. Usually found ghosting past defenders before anyone knows he’s there.
Faf de Klerk – South Africa’s Defensive Dynamo
South Africa’s Faf de Klerk may stand at 5’7”, but his impact on the game is absolutely towering. The Springbok scrum-half is a constant menace in defence, relentlessly disrupting the flow of opposing playmakers. His speed, fearlessness, and pinpoint kicking make him a major threat at every turn.
Dupont has faced off against De Klerk in some of rugby’s biggest clashes and knows how effective the Springbok can be. Whether it’s through his fierce tackles or clever box kicks, De Klerk embodies the high-energy, physical style that has made South Africa a force to be reckoned with.
Rugby’s most ferocious disruptor? You bet. You’ll find him at the heart of South Africa’s World Cup triumphs.
Owen Farrell – England’s Enforcer
Owen Farrell is the kind of player who can turn a match into a war of attrition. Known for his uncompromising leadership, fierce defence, and cool-headed game management, Farrell is the ultimate no-nonsense enforcer.
His physical presence on the pitch is impossible to ignore—whether he’s crashing into tackles, controlling the game with his kicking, or barking orders at his team. Farrell thrives in pressure moments, and Dupont has had to contend with his relentless intensity more than once.
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QUIZ: Can You Name the England XV that Won the 2020 Six Nations?
England last won the Six Nations in 2020, in what was a crowning achievement during the Eddie Jones era. Coming off the back of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final heartbreak, England bounced back to win their seventh Six Nations title since the competition's Italian expansion in 2000.
England secured the trophy with a win in Rome, as they handed Italy a one-sided 34-5 bonus point defeat. We are challenging you to remember who started for England that day, as the match was played in front of an empty stadium during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
You have five minutes to provide your answers, good luck!
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