Felix Jones — England’s assistant coach seen as a crucial component in the team’s ability to push the All Blacks so close over two Tests in New Zealand in July — has resigned.
According to a report in The Times overnight, Irishman Jones had become unhappy with the unstable working environment under head coach Steve Borthwick.
Whatever the exact reasons, there are uncanny similarities to Leon MacDonald’s shock departure from the All Blacks announced last Thursday after a falling out with head coach Scott Robertson.
New Zealand Rugby and Robertson said philosophical differences were behind the “mutual decision” for MacDonald to step away on the eve of the team’s challenging two-Test tour of South Africa.
Robertson said the pair "just didn't click".
Jones, credited with revolutionising England’s defence, designed a rushing “umbrella” system that made life difficult for the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland.
It meant the All Blacks struggled to get the ball to width and were often caught behind the advantage line.
Jones worked with current Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus at Munster before Erasmus signed him to help South Africa’s successful campaigns for the last two World Cups.
Jones was an attack coach with the Boks but Borthwick signed him as a defence guru for last season’s Six Nations and he improved the team considerably.
The 37-year-old is considered an excellent chance to assist the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Australia next year.
Ireland and South Africa will also be possible coaching destinations.
MacDonald, meanwhile, will have to bide his time before his next coaching job, which is likely to be overseas.
MacDonald was an attack coach under Robertson, which suggests a move to England to coach under Borthwick is unlikely.
Japan’s club season officially starts in December but most, if not all, coaching roles will be filled by now.
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