Irish rugby misses out as esteemed coach heads back to South Africa

"We are delighted to welcome Felix back into the Springbok team."

Following the last World Cup, he became England's defence coach but left the role late last year after becoming disillusioned with the set-up.

He will now be back under watchful eye of head coach Rassie Erasmus - whom he previously worked under at Munster - as an 'assistant coach', with former Munster and Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery also part of the South Africa set-up.

As one of the most experienced, decorated, and innovative Irish coaches, Jones was hoped to return to the Irish system in some capacity.

He had been linked to the vacant Munster job or a possible role with Ireland, but he is now likely lost to the system until at least after the 2027 World Cup.

Rassie Erasmus said: “We are delighted to welcome Felix back into the Springbok team and we are excited to see him pick up where he left off in 2023,” said Erasmus.

“He was a vital cog in the coaching team from 2019 to 2023, and his experience, professionalism, and excellent work ethic will make him a great addition to the fantastic coaching team we built from the beginning of 2024.

“Felix worked very closely with most of our coaches in the past, and I have no doubt he’ll work equally closely with Jerry (Flannery) and Tony (Brown), who joined us last season.

“After spending some time in England, his experience of working in the UK and studying the opposition teams in the Six Nations and other international tournaments will add immense value in assisting us to adapt and improve as we cast an eye on a tough international season ahead.

“As a team we are well aware that we need to keep improving and growing if we want to remain one of the best teams in the world and to give ourselves the best possible chance to defend our World Cup title in Australia in 2027, and Felix, like all the other coaching and support staff, will play a key role in guiding us to do so.”