It’s a massive coup by head coach Rassie Erasmus to bring the experienced Irishman Felix Jones back to the Springboks ahead of the next Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The double Rugby World Cup-winning assistant coach is set to reunite with Erasmus and his fellow coaches following a brief tenure in England’s set-up.
While Erasmus made a trio of appointments to his Bok staff, Jones’ return garnered the most attention. And rightly so, because the knowledge he’s gained while under England coach Steve Borthwick will become invaluable information for the Springboks going forward.
With Felix Jones returning to the Springboks as an assistant coach, it's the perfect time to relive his best moments from Chasing The Sun 2 🧠🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/2HYoKdRxQs
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 27, 2025
So too the analysis he’s done on the other Six Nations teams, including France, Ireland, and Italy which the Boks will face this year, starting with home Tests against the Azzurri in July in Pretoria and Gqeberha respectively.
Jones would’ve gained massive insights into these sides while working for the English, and it’s no surprise why Erasmus, known for thinking out of the box, brought the master tactician back.
The other additions to the management are physio Lance Lemmetjies and dietician Robyn Moore.
All three appointments are pivotal for the upcoming cycle that culminates in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, where the Boks will hunt an unprecedented third Webb Ellis Cup in a row.
Felix Jones will rejoin the #Springboks management as Rassie Erasmus confirmed his support team on Thursday - more here: https://t.co/gHvHKZHmht 🏉#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/CNJ5O8I7Jk
— Springboks (@Springboks) February 27, 2025
Jones was integral to the Springboks’ success during their triumphant campaigns in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
He brings a wealth of experience that promises to enhance the coaching team significantly. Erasmus last year appointed Tony Brown (attack) and Jerry Flannery (defence), and they’ve already added significantly to the Bok blueprint.
“After spending some time in England, his experience of working in the UK and studying the opposition teams in the Six Nations and other international tournaments will add immense value in assisting us to adapt and improve as we cast an eye on a tough international season ahead.”
Those words by Erasmus should indicate that there was always a plan to bring Jones back if things did not work out for him in England’s set-up.
Jones knows the Bok blueprint
Having a coach back who is familiar with the inner workings will limit the disruptions to the national side, especially if they will be bleeding more young players this season.
He is a well-liked coach, and most of the assistants and players currently in the Bok environment are familiar with how he goes about getting the best out of the team.
There is no doubt he will slot in effortlessly, and having him available for the very first alignment camp next week in Cape Town is another bonus for the world champions.
With plenty of newcomers to Erasmus’ group, Jones’ understanding of the Bok ethos and carrying it over at the camp will aid them even more.
“We are delighted to welcome Felix back into the Springbok team… his experience, professionalism, and excellent work ethic will make him a great addition to the fantastic coaching team we built from the beginning of 2024,” Erasmus said.
In addition to Jones, Lemmetjies brings his expertise back to the squad, having previously worked with the Springboks during the British and Irish Lions series in 2021 and on the SA A tour in 2022.
His relationship with the players and understanding of the team’s dynamics is expected to bolster their performance on the pitch.
Moore, who holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Pretoria, has also been part of the Springbok camp in recent seasons.
“All three individuals are extremely hard workers, and they’ve worked with many of the players before, so we are confident they will slot in with ease,” Erasmus added, emphasising the continuity they will provide as the team seeks to maintain its status as one of the world’s elite rugby teams.
Confirmed! The #Springboks will return to Gqeberha this year, with Tests also scheduled in Pretoria, Nelspruit, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban 🏟#ForeverGreenForeverGold
SA Rugby, meanwhile confirmed the home Test venues for this year on Thursday.
The Springboks will take on Italy in double Tests at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria (5 July) and Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (12 July). The clash against Georgia on 19 July will head to the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Australia, travelling in the Rugby Championship, will face the world champions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (16 August) and DHL Stadium in Cape Town (23 August). The final home match for the year will be at Kings Park in Durban, when the Boks take on Argentina (27 September).
“We have played at most of these venues in the last few years and we know them well, although it will be particularly exciting to return to Gqeberha for the first time since 2021,” Erasmus said about the Test venues.
“We thoroughly enjoy the passionate support we receive from our home crowds throughout the country, and we have no doubt we will enjoy great support at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium once again – this time in a packed stadium, which we last experienced in the Eastern Cape in 2018 against Australia.”