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Felix Jones' England situation has taken another awkward twist
By PA
England players and coaching number two Richard Wigglesworth have had no contact with Felix Jones ahead of Saturday’s clash with South Africa despite his inside knowledge of the Springboks.
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Jones resigned as defence coach in August but Steve Borthwick stated last month that he is being used to provide analysis of the opposition throughout the autumn amid uncertainty over the date he will officially leave the role.
One of the game’s brightest coaches, Jones helped South Africa win back-to-back Rugby World Cups before joining Borthwick’s management team 11 months ago.
His decision to leave without having an alternative job lined up sent shockwaves through the camp, with Joe El-Abd taking charge of the defence at short notice while still employed as boss of French club Oyonnax.
England have lost to New Zealand and Australia already this autumn and need to topple the Springboks to save the campaign, with Japan the final visitors to Twickenham a week later.
“We don’t have any contact with Felix. I’m not sure if the coaches do or not,” centre Henry Slade said. “We have been working with Joe and our defensive leaders, trying to set the defence and the team up to defend as well as possible.”
Wigglesworth was promoted to the post of senior assistant coach before the Autumn Nations Series but Borthwick’s right-hand man said he did not know if Jones was supplying analysis packages.
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When asked if Jones is still employed by England, Wigglesworth replied: “I wouldn’t be able to tell you. I have not spoken to him. I know he is working for us – behind the scenes that is – but I haven’t spoken to him.”
England and South Africa both name their teams on Thursday with the Springboks expected to continue their policy of loading their bench with forwards to take full advantage of the depth of their pack resources.
For Sunday’s 32-15 victory over Scotland, they brought on seven pairs of fresh legs up front to reinforce their assault on Murrayfield in the second half. The downside to the tactic is that injury could leave them exposed in the backs.
“It’s really impressive to watch – I really enjoy that someone is pushing the envelope. I always enjoy something that’s different, so full credit to them,” Wigglesworth said. “They have got personnel they’re really happy to do it with and the risks involved they fully accept and get behind. They have made it work for them.”
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England are playing to avoid a fifth successive defeat that threatens to continue an autumn of discontent. “We know what international sport is. It’s a results business. There’s loads of people watching, loads of people really care,” Wigglesworth said.
“No one wants to win more than us. We want to send everyone home happy and we want everyone at home watching to love it, to be excited about what we are doing, but ultimately watch England in.”
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I read through all the comments and it's all pure speculation as there is no information available on the situation. One thing everyone forgets is that in FJ's contract, there could be a clause that he can leave if he isn't happy. He left before 3 months already. If he had no such clause, they would have made him pay, because the RFU looks like complete amateurs regarding FJ and AW.
What a mess. This really isn't a good look for anyone.
I would love to hear the story behind Felix's leaving. My version? Just another negative effect of the Posh Boys still running/ruining English (and world?) rugby. Bunch of pampered prima donnas who probably wouldn't listen to a 'damned bogtrotter' who didn't go to one of their favoured schools (like that damned didgeridoo Jones, too, probably). Let them stew in their own juice - and may the Boks give them the thrashing they richly deserve, unless of course their rain dances push up the percentage chance of some downpours at 'Twickers' (puke puke) on Saturday evening so we get a kickfest like the RWC semifinal in the pouring rain and they can look better than they actually are!
Would you like some salt and vinegar with that.
Munster supporters know anything about this?
Do South Africans betray their country like kiwis ?
Hows Eddie going in Aus? Oh he's coaching overseas betraying his country. Cheika? Overseas. Lots of Aussie coaches overseas with jobs.
Felix Jones is Irish
Wigglesworth said he hasn't had any contact with FJ as he's focused on attack. A questionable statement given the current state of England's attack.
It's possible Borthwick is keeping a lid on any contact to keep the opposition guessing. Or, more likely, FJ is on gardening leave until his contract expires.
If things have become acrimonious, which is likely given England refused to release FJ from his contract, then it's fair to assume FJ is picking up a paycheck from the RFU for doing zip.
Well England's attack scored 5 tries it's the defence that's the problem since Jones left, for whatever reason.
Bit crap if he isn't fulfilling his contractual agreement. Technically he could get in trouble for that couldn't he? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm not sure I can believe this article
It's not FJ, it's Borthwick. He's washed his hands with him and doesn't want him muddying the waters, their relationship must be very poor, but contractually he's still technically working from home. This is of course just my I'll informed opinion.
So Felix is allegedly working behind the scenes to provide defensive coaching analysis and so far no one on the coaching team have heard anything from him regarding the game on Saturday?
That just about sums this coaching team up - sh!tshow
It doesn't really reflect well on Jones either. Really weird situation...