RFU chief executive reacts to Felix Jones' shock resignation
The ex-Munster and Leinster star joined the Red Rose after winning two World Cups with South Africa and has been linked with the defence coach role in Andy Farrell's Lions set-up
The departure of Felix Jones from England's coaching set-up after just seven months is "deeply disappointing," said the RFU's chief executive Bill Sweeney.
Dubliner Jones, who started his coaching career with Munster, won two World Cups with South Africa as part of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber's backroom staff.
He was brought on board by England head coach Steve Borthwick after last year's World Cup and had been hugely influential, transforming the Red Rose's defence by implementing the blitz system that had worked so well for the Springboks.
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READ MORE: Felix Jones quits coaching role with England rugby team
But the 37-year-old quit the set-up two weeks ago and has already been linked with a link-up with Andy Farrell for next summer's Lions tour to Australia.
As of now, he is contracted to England until the end of his 12-month contract. “This is a live conversation over something that has only happened relatively recently,” Sweeney said. “We’re still going through that discussion at the moment.”
Sweeney told the BBC that the move "came out of the blue", adding: "Felix is on a 12-month contract so from the moment he announced his resignation he is committed to us for 12 months.
“We are deeply disappointed that this has taken place with no indication that this was going to happen. I think the fact that a number of players have publicly said that they have had their own internal meetings and said they couldn’t see this coming and the environment is fine.
“It is very disappointing. I feel for Steve. Steve has made some choices and has brought some people in and I feel for him at the moment.
"We are in discussion about what we do in that transition period. It has been deeply disappointing and I won't beat any bones about that. You saw with the performances in New Zealand and at the end of the Six Nations great momentum and good energy.
"You have a great squad of players now with a blend of experience and young players. The mood in the camp is great and it’s a fun environment to be in.
"It was totally unexpected but these things happen in sport and we will move on and make the necessary changes to rectify it."
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