As England’s Rugby World Cup campaign ramps up, head coach Steve Borthwick is reportedly preparing for a significant staff change that could once again see him raiding South Africa for top coaching talent. Following the departure of defense coach Felix Jones, who is set to leave the England setup after the Rugby World Cup to join the Springboks, Borthwick is on the lookout for a replacement. According to recent reports, Borthwick has his eyes set on another South African coach, reigniting speculation that England may once again benefit from the coaching expertise of the reigning world champions.
Borthwick’s Track Record with South African Talent
Steve Borthwick’s admiration for South African coaching talent is no secret. Since taking over as England’s head coach, Borthwick has leaned heavily on input from top-tier coaches, including Felix Jones, whose defensive acumen has been crucial to England’s game plan. Jones, a former Ireland international, joined the South African coaching staff in 2019, helping the Springboks clinch the Rugby World Cup in Japan. His success with the Springboks quickly caught Borthwick’s attention, leading to his recruitment for the England squad in 2023.
Jones’ departure has left a noticeable gap in England’s coaching team. His influence on England’s defense was particularly evident during the 2023 Six Nations, where England showed a renewed focus on structure and discipline. Replacing such a key figure will not be easy, and Borthwick knows he will need someone with both the experience and tactical understanding to continue building on the foundation that Jones established.
The Search for Jones’ Successor
With Jones heading back to South Africa after the World Cup, Borthwick is reportedly considering several options to fill the void. Sources close to the England camp suggest that Borthwick may once again turn to South Africa for a new recruit. The exact identity of the potential replacement has not been confirmed, but rumors suggest that Borthwick is keen on maintaining the high defensive standards Jones set during his time with the team.
Borthwick’s potential move to recruit another South African coach would follow a growing trend of English rugby looking abroad for coaching talent. In recent years, England has relied on foreign coaches to bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to their game. The success of coaches like Jones, who brought a Southern Hemisphere approach to England’s defensive system, has shown that such moves can pay dividends.
What England Needs in a New Defense Coach
Replacing Jones is a tall order, especially given the critical role defense plays in modern rugby. England’s defense coach needs to be someone with a deep understanding of both international rugby and the intricacies of defensive systems. They must be able to adapt to different styles of play, something Jones excelled at during his time with both South Africa and England.
The new coach will also need to work closely with Borthwick, whose emphasis on tactical discipline and organization has become the cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. Borthwick’s England team prides itself on physicality, structure, and attention to detail, particularly in defense. Whoever replaces Jones will have to ensure these principles remain intact while also bringing their own unique perspective to the table.
Another important factor will be the ability to quickly integrate into the England camp, particularly if the appointment is made after the Rugby World Cup. England will have little time to adjust to a new defensive system ahead of the 2024 Six Nations, making it imperative that the new coach is someone with the experience and adaptability to hit the ground running.
South Africa’s Influence on England’s Coaching
Borthwick’s interest in South African coaches reflects the growing influence of South African rugby on the global stage. South Africa’s success, particularly under head coach Jacques Nienaber, has made their coaches highly sought after. Known for their physical, structured, and intelligent approach to the game, South African coaches bring a level of tactical sophistication that aligns well with Borthwick’s vision for England.
Should Borthwick secure another South African coach, it would further deepen the ties between England and South African rugby. The move would also demonstrate Borthwick’s willingness to go beyond traditional hiring pools to find the right person for the job, a strategy that has become increasingly common in the professional era of rugby.
Challenges Ahead
While replacing Jones is a priority, Borthwick’s immediate focus remains on the Rugby World Cup, where England will be looking to reclaim their place among the world’s elite. After a disappointing Six Nations campaign in 2023, England is eager to bounce back and challenge for the trophy they last won in 2003. Borthwick’s side has been building momentum, and their defensive performance will be key to their success in France.
Once the World Cup concludes, however, all eyes will turn to Borthwick’s next move in the coaching market. If he does indeed target another South African coach, it could signal a continuation of the defensive structure that Felix Jones helped implement, or it could mark the start of a new era in England’s defensive strategy.
For now, though, the focus is on finding the right person to ensure that England’s defense remains one of the strongest in the world, capable of challenging the likes of the All Blacks, Wallabies, and, of course, the Springboks. With Borthwick at the helm, England’s future looks promising, and the search for Jones’ replacement is just one of many steps in their journey toward rugby greatness.
