Felix Jones’ resignation as England defence coach after solely seven months is “deeply disappointing”, Rugby Soccer Union chief government Invoice Sweeney mentioned as he confirmed the Irishman’s departure.
Jones, 37, joined the set-up after securing a second successive Rugby World Cup with South Africa final autumn.
He overhauled England’s defence, introducing a Springbok-style blitz strategy.
England conceded 13 tries within the 2024 Six Nations, in comparison with 18 in the identical match a yr earlier.
Sweeney mentioned the RFU need to transfer on after Jones’ resignation “got here out of the blue”.
“Felix is on a 12-month contract so from the second he introduced his resignation he’s dedicated to us for 12 months,” Sweeney instructed BBC Radio 5 Dwell.
“We’re in dialogue about what we do in that transition interval.
“It has been deeply disappointing and I will not beat any bones about that. You noticed with the performances in New Zealand and on the finish of the Six Nations nice momentum and good vitality.
“You might have an amazing squad of gamers now with a mix of expertise and younger gamers. The temper within the camp is nice and it’s a enjoyable surroundings to be in.
“It was completely surprising however these items occur in sport and we are going to transfer on and make the mandatory adjustments to rectify it.”
Jones’ exit provides to the vacancies amongst head coach Steve Borthwick’s backroom workers with head of power and conditioning Aled Walters and division colleague Tom Tombleson additionally leaving this summer season.
Doubts stay over Kevin Sinfield’s future. The rugby league nice was initially recruited on a five-year contract as defence coach after working with Borthwick at Leicester Tigers.
Nonetheless the 43-year-old shifted right into a expertise position lower than a yr later and had initially deliberate to step down this summer season, with Borthwick having beforehand steered he should have a task to play in a part-time capability.
Sweeney says it’s too “early” to make any bulletins.
“A few of the selections that need to be taken could take a little bit of time,” he added.
“Persons are below contract however we’re working actually exhausting on it and we have now needed to speed up our pondering on that.”
Northampton’s defence coach Lee Radford and former Bristol flanker Joe El-Abd, who’s head coach of French facet Oyonnax, are reportedly among the many names into consideration.
