Defence coach Jones steps down from England role

England defence coach Felix Jones has stepped down from his role with immediate effect.

Jones resigned in August after becoming disillusioned in Steve Borthwick’s set-up but was being held to a 12-month notice period.

Although England said the Irishman was doing “remote analysis” during the Autumn Nations Series, it was revealed Jones was not in contact with the other assistant coaches.

In a statement on Friday, the Rugby Football Union said: “The RFU can confirm that England Rugby men’s assistant coach Felix Jones will step down from his role today.”

Joe El-Abd took over from Jones during the autumn campaign and adopted a blitz style of defence, which was initially implemented by his predecessor.

El-Abd follows Jones and Kevin Sinfield as England’s third defence coach to work under head coach Borthwick, who took charge in 2023.

England’s defence was a concern during the autumn as they conceded an average of four tries a match across their three home defeats by New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Borthwick’s side begin next year’s Six Nations campaign against defending champions Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, 1 February.