Felix Jones has resigned as England’s defence coach in a shock development that continues the recent upheaval to Steve Borthwick’s backroom staff. Jones has been an important figure for England since his recruitment 10 months ago from South Africa, who he helped win back to back World Cups under the guidance of Rassie Erasmus. The 37-year-old former Ireland international was responsible for introducing the blitz defence that was starting to bear fruit after some teething problems early in the Six Nations. Its aggressive nature troubled New Zealand in July when England fell to narrow defeats in Dunedin and Auckland. Although Jones has handed in his resignation, his contract contains a 12-month notice period that would keep him in place until next summer if triggered by the English Rugby Football Union. News of his surprise departure comes in the wake of influential head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters dropping an equally unexpected bombshell by defecting to Ireland. Walters was an influential voice on the training field whose involvement extended beyond his S&C duties and he was joined through the exit door by Tom Tombleson, a long-serving member of the conditioning staff. The uncertainty surrounding the England management team includes Kevin Sinfield, the rugby league great who was demoted to skills coach to accommodate Jones’s arrival. Sinfield was poised to step down after the recent tour to Japan and New Zealand but his popularity among the players, as well as his experience, was seen as too valuable to lose. However, an extension of his stay and in what capacity has yet to be confirmed. Jones’s desire to leave is understood to be linked to Walters’s departure, with the two forming a strong working relationship while serving under Erasmus with Munster and then South Africa. But The churn of backroom staff – a destructive theme of the Eddie Jones era – also asks questions of Borthwick’s methods. Attack coach Richard Wigglesworth, scrum coach Tom Harrison and coaching consultant Andrew Strawbridge are now the only confirmed members of Borthwick’s management team heading into the autumn. The All Blacks’ visit to Twickenham on November 2nd opens a schedule that continues with fixtures against Australia, South Africa and Japan and it remains to be seen if Jones will be involved. Borthwick will see the development as a huge setback having repeatedly hailed the impact made by Jones, whose knowledge he has described as “groundbreaking”. ## Who Will Fill The Gap? The departure of Jones, along with the previous departures of Walters and Tombleson, leaves a gaping hole in Borthwick's coaching staff. With the autumn internationals just a month away, Borthwick faces a race against time to find suitable replacements. ### Potential Candidates The search for Jones' replacement is already underway, and the RFU is said to be considering a number of candidates. Here are a few names that have been thrown around: * Sean Edwards: A seasoned defensive coach who previously worked with the Welsh national team. * Matt Proudfoot: A former Springboks forwards coach who is known for his tough and uncompromising style. * Mike Ford: A former England attack coach who is also a highly experienced defensive coach. * Richard Cockerill: A former England scrum coach who is now the head coach of Edinburgh. * Kevin Sinfield: The rugby league legend, who was previously England's defence coach, could be a candidate to step back into the role, though he is currently the assistant skills coach. The RFU will need to move quickly to secure a replacement for Jones, as the upcoming autumn internationals are crucial for England's preparations for the next Rugby World Cup in 2027. ## A Test For Borthwick The recent departures from Borthwick's backroom staff have raised questions about the environment he has created. While the RFU has expressed confidence in Borthwick, the instability within the coaching team is a concern. The exodus of key personnel, particularly those who have worked closely with Borthwick, is indicative of a potential lack of stability and cohesion within the England setup. It remains to be seen how Borthwick will handle this turbulent period, but he will need to show strong leadership and a clear vision for the future of England rugby if he wants to rebuild the team and restore confidence among the players and fans alike. ## A Time For Change? The turmoil within the England camp is a sign that the team is in a period of transition. Borthwick has a clear vision for the future of England rugby, but he has faced a number of challenges in his first year in charge. The departure of Jones is a major blow to Borthwick's plans. Jones was a key part of the team's defensive strategy, and his departure leaves a significant gap in the coaching team. Borthwick must now use this opportunity to rebuild his coaching staff and create a more stable and cohesive environment for the players. The team needs to come together and focus on the task at hand - preparing for the upcoming autumn internationals and the Rugby World Cup in 2027.