After playing a crucial role in the Springboks’ 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup victories, Felix Jones has officially rejoined the national team. His return comes after a brief stint with England, which didn’t go as planned.
At a media briefing, head coach Rassie Erasmus outlined Jones’ new responsibilities, emphasizing his diverse role within the Springbok setup.
A Multi-Faceted Role for Jones
Jones will be responsible for overseeing player roadmaps, gathering crucial data, and leading additional training sessions before and after scheduled practices. Beyond that, he will assist Mzwandile Stick with off-the-ball strategies and provide tactical insights across all coaching departments.
“He will also play a significant role in the administrative side of things,” Erasmus noted. “So he has a lot on his plate.”
Expanding Influence Across SA Rugby
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer highlighted Jones’ expanded influence beyond just the senior Springbok squad. He will also collaborate with the Junior Springboks and the Springbok Women’s team to ensure consistency in playing style and high-performance standards.
“This structure will strengthen all our national teams, and we are excited to see what Felix brings to the table across different levels,” Oberholzer added.
Jones returns to an already reinforced coaching staff, which recently welcomed international experts Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery. Additionally, Springbok legend Duane Vermeulen has joined the team as a ‘mobi-unit’ coach.
Erasmus expressed his excitement about Jones’ return, stating: “We didn’t want to lose Felix initially, but his family was based in Ireland. We don’t have egos in our coaching team—we share responsibilities, and his expertise will be a valuable asset.”
Springbok Management Team for 2024:
- Head Coach: Rassie Erasmus
- General Manager: Charles Wessels
- Assistant Coaches: Tony Brown, Deon Davids, Jerry Flannery, Daan Human, Felix Jones, Mzwandile Stick
- Mobi-Unit Coach: Duane Vermeulen
- Head of Athletic Performance: Andy Edwards
- Laws and Discipline Advisor: Jaco Peyper
- Performance Analyst: Paddy Sullivan
- Technical Analyst: Lindsay Weyer
- Sport Scientist: Sebastian Prim
- Team Doctor: Dr. Jerome Lehlogonolo Mampane
- Physiotherapists: Dr. Anuerin Robyn, Lance Lemmetjies
- Logistics Manager: JJ Fredericks
- Operations Manager: Zintsika Tashe
- Media Manager: Zeena Isaacs van Tonder
- Dietician: Robyn Moore
With Jones back in the mix, the Springboks are looking to build on their world-class setup as they prepare for the next chapter of their journey.
