How Felix fits into Bok coaching 'matrix'
03/05/2025 11:00 PM
Rassie Erasmus outlines the details of the returning Felix Jones' role and responsibilities as a key member in an expanded Springbok coaching setup.
Jones, a key figure in South Africa's 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs, left to join England after the last edition of the global tournament but has now returned to the Republic.
Erasmus, speaking at a Bok press conference on Wednesday, made it clear that Jones' expertise will be used across multiple departments as the Boks gear up for the 2025 season.
"We didn't want to lose Felix in the first place, but his family was based in Ireland," Erasmus said. "I'm not sure why things didn't work out for him over in England, but we are happy to have him back.
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"We don't have egos in the team, and we believe in sharing responsibilities as coaches, so he will be a valuable asset to the coaching team."
Jones will oversee player roadmaps, handle pre- and post-training extras, and contribute to tactical analysis. "He can assist Mzwandile Stick with off-the-ball work, and all the other coaches with general tactics and detail in their respective departments," Erasmus said.
"He'll also play a big role in the administrative side of thing so he has a lot on his plate."
Jones will be integrated into a coaching unit that includes Stick and Deon Davids, who focus on backs and forwards respectively, scrum guru Daan Human, defence coach Jerry Flannery, attack specialist Tony Brown and Bok legend Duane Vermeulen, who now operates within SA Rugby's Mobi-Unit.
Former referee Jaco Peyper was last year also been brought in as a national laws advisor.
"There's little boxes within the coaching matrix," Erasmus elaborated. "Daan's role is scrums, Jerry covers defence from scrums, and Felix will analyse opposition teams.
"Tony does general play attack and starter moves, while Duane supports lineout mauling and breakdown work. Deon handles lineouts himself. Duane dovetails with overseeing the breakdown defence and attack, while Daan helps with coaching on stopping mauls and analysing the opposition.
"One of the coaches always takes the other team, for example, when we're playing Australia and he ‘coaches’ Australia."
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer confirmed that Jones' role will extend beyond the Springboks: "Felix will also work with the Junior Springboks and Springbok Women, ensuring standardisation across our national teams.
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"This arrangement will certainly benefit all our national teams, and we are excited to see what he brings to the table."
Jones, who has already started working with Flannery at the Sharks this week, expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining the Bok backroom staff.
"South African rugby holds a special place in my heart and having the opportunity to be involved again with this world-class team that is working towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup is something I'm very appreciative of," Jones said in a SARU statement.
"I'm eager to contribute to the culture and continued success of the Boks."
The former Ireland international also highlighted his excitement about working alongside his former colleagues. "Nearly all of them I've worked with closely before, including Jerry going back to Munster when I first started working with Rassie and Jacques [Nienaber].
"Having coached against Tony and followed his work over many years, I now look forward to working with him," he said. "The team evolved significantly from 2019 to 2023, and it has already begun evolving again. I aim to help this team grow even further."
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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