Rassie Erasmus Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus speaks about the return of Felix Jones and his plans for the Tests the world champions will play this year. Photo: Leighton Koopman
Image: Leighton Koopman
The Springboks didn’t want to lose Felix Jones after the 2023 Rugby World Cup as one of their assistant coaches, but they are happy to have his services back.
Rassie Erasmus, the Bok head coach, said they understood Jones’ reason for returning to the United Kingdom, which was to be closer to his family a couple of years ago.
When the opportunity to get him back into the Bok fold presented itself recently, they could not let it pass ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
“It was definitely not a plan,” Erasmus said on sending Jones overseas to collect intel (intelligence) and then signing him again 18 months later.
“That speculation must maybe stop. Things didn’t work out in England for whatever reasons. But you don’t relocate your family, sign a contract and hope things don’t work out there.
“It is almost like when I went to Ireland. You don’t relocate your family, and then you know you will return in 18 months. But we are pleased to have him back.”
The Bok guru believes Jones will be able to pick up where he has left off after the World Cup, even though the national team have a couple of new faces in players and assistant coaches.
Attack guru Tony Brown and defence coach Jerry Flannery joined the South African set-up last year, while 13 players debuted for the Boks since winning the World Cup.
Jones doesn’t have a set title but will work in tandem with the coaches to continually improve the Springboks.
“There are not a lot of egos in our coaching team, because we like sharing responsibilities. Yes, we keep coaches responsible for their department, but we dovetail and help each other.
“It is probably just Daan Human that does his own thing. We don’t always know what he's doing,” the 2019 World Cup-winning coach joked.
Erasmus confirmed that Jones is already in the country and, on Wednesday, visited the Sharks alongside Flannery ahead of next week’s alignment camp.
A group of 56 players will get together in Cape Town, where the Springboks’ first steps towards the 2025 season will be taken.
The Boks will also host an online alignment camp with overseas players and a few local ones to get everyone on the same page.
“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 according to the Springboks’ official website.
“I’m eager to contribute to the culture and continued success of the Boks, and I’d like to thank Rassie and the entire SA Rugby leadership for their trust in me. The team evolved significantly from 2019 to 2023, and it has already began evolving again, and I aim to help this team grow even further.
“My family and I are also looking forward to settling into South Africa soon before entering what is sure to be a challenging season on the field.”
The world champions will play 15 Tests this year – two still need to be confirmed – and a festival match against the Barbarians. Erasmus is set to introduce a few more players to international rugby while giving debutants of last season more time in the Bok jersey.
But, warned Erasmus, he wants to sift through the players at his disposal while winning so they can grow the pool to choose from when 2027 arrives.
He emphasised that maintaining a good ranking this year will be crucial when the draw for the next World Cup is done at the end of the year. The Springboks are currently the top-ranked international side.
“We are hoping to get the 15 matches – every single one is almost confirmed,” Erasmus said.
“This will be a tough season for us regarding Tests, just looking at our draw. We had a tough 2022, but now, having 15 matches, it is only the second time in history that we have it.
“I believe 2007 had 17 games. It will be the first one (having so many matches) in a long time, but we need them.
“We want to sift and filter some players (ahead of the World Cup) and give others some opportunity while winning, of course.”
Springbok Matches For 2025
28 June: Barbarians, TBC
5 July: Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 July: Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 July: Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
16 August: Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
23 August: Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
6 September: New Zealand, Eden Park, Auckland
13 September: New Zealand, Sky Stadium, Wellington
27 September: Argentina, Kings Park, Durban
4 October: Argentina, Twickenham, London
8 November: France, Stade de France, Paris
15 November: Italy, Allianz Stadium, Turin
22 November: Ireland, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
29 November: Wales, Cardiff
* Two additional Tests to be confirmed by SA Rugby.