The Springboks made an exciting announcement this week, confirming the return of Felix Jones, the double World Cup-winning assistant coach, to the national team setup. Jones played a key role in the Springboks’ victorious 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup campaigns before moving on to England’s coaching staff. His return to the Boks has been hailed as a major win, with fans delighted to see one of their most popular coaches back in the fold.
Jones joins a revamped coaching team that already includes international experts Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery, who were brought in after the last World Cup. Duane Vermeulen has also been contributing as a ‘mobi unit’ coach, further strengthening the team. It appears that the Springboks’ coaching staff is now solidified for the next World Cup cycle, though there could be room for one more high-profile appointment before 2027.
Meanwhile, former head coach Jacques Nienaber has been enjoying success at Leinster, where he’s helped the club remain undefeated and top the URC standings. Nienaber’s contract with Leinster runs through the 2025-26 season, and while he’s expressed contentment with his current role, he hasn’t ruled out a future return to international rugby. If Rassie Erasmus could persuade his good friend to come back to the Springboks after Nienaber’s stint at Leinster, it could form a formidable coaching team for the 2027 World Cup campaign.
Here’s a look at the Springbok management team:
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
