Former Springbok coach quits England job
Earlier this year it was confirmed that former Springbok fitness coach Aled Walters – who played a key role in the team’s 2019 World Cup success – had abruptly left the England camp.
Following in his footsteps, it’s believed that former Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones – who was a central figure at last year’s World Cup – has now also quit his role as England’s defence coach with immediate effect.
According to a report from The Times in the UK, Jones has resigned less than a year after joining Steve Borthwick’s coaching staff, having been part of just one Six Nations campaign and the tour of New Zealand, where the All Blacks narrowly beat the visitors in both Tests.
Jones played an integral part in the Springboks’ back-to-back World Cup triumphs
It will be interesting to see whether the Springboks could look to lure Jones back into their system now that he is leaving England.
Meanwhile, after Walters left his job as England’s head of strength and conditioning, he immediately joined Ireland in a similar role.
Walters joined Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks as head of athletic performance in 2019 and played an influential role in transforming South Africa into one of the fittest teams at the Japan-based World Cup.
But he didn’t stick around for long. After winning a World Cup medal with the Springboks, Walters signed for the Leicester Tigers in 2020 and in 2023 he became part of England’s backroom staff during Eddie Jones’ reign as head coach.
Earlier this year, both the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed in separate statements that the Welshman has joined Ireland’s coaching staff from England.
ENGLAND’S LOSS IS IRELAND’S GAIN
Commenting on his move, Walters said: “I am delighted to join the Ireland Men’s team and am excited about the opportunity to work with such a talented group of coaches and players.
“The Ireland team has gone from strength to strength in recent years and it’s an exciting time to rejoin Irish rugby as the team looks to achieve more success in the years to come.
“I’ve made some great memories coaching England, and I want to thank Steve, the management team and the players for their friendship and support. I wish the squad every success for the future.”