FELIX JONES QUITS ENGLAND | HAMMER BLOW FOR BORTHWICK!

One of the most highly rated coaches in World Rugby has quit England! A bad week to be an assistant international rugby coach, Felix Jones following Leon Macdonald at New Zealand AND, more worrying for England fans, following Aled Walters out of the camp. Why? What will this mean for England? Where will he go next? I'll get into all of it.

[@ronniemurtagh1786]

This is in my opinion, a massive blow to England. I hope Andy Farrell finds a way to bring him home!

[@cobusbrits2]

I wonder if Felix got the same buy-in as with the Boks.

[@peacefulheart1431]

Felix is returning to South Africa 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦💥💥💥

[@brianward6131]

Felix to Leinster?

[@KernowekTim]

@@peacefulheart1431 Good move.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

@@ronniemurtagh1786 here's a thought: America. For one, they can throw around the kind of money that makes Europe look stupid. For two, America is taking rugby a lot more seriously. For three, the world cup is held there in 2031. For four, what better way to build on your legacy by actually helping a Tier 2 side reach top 5 or 10? And lastly... Imagine beating England with America.

[@KamogeloRakgalakane]

We want him back in South Africa 🤝🏾

[@lm_b5080]

i'm disappointed we lost him after watching chasing the sun. the man has huge potential to be a future coach,

[@lukeboshier]

Bro was suffering Rassie separation anxiety

[@randomlyfactual1943]

In your heeeeaad, in your heeeeeeyyyyaaad...

[@truthandjustice6838]

RSA syndrome in short. Even Tim got emotional having to fly back to that dreary joint.

[@skibbitybopmdada]

he acquired a taste for the 3 Bs. Brandy, biltong, and boerewors.

[@barthettema3727]

@@skibbitybopmdada Tim or Felix???? I think both of them 😂

[@andrewmorrison8065]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@japo3713]

100% agreed Felix is a top man and in my opinion he did not take the decision to leave lightly

[@user-io9to7jy6s]

He’s got a better offer and didn’t think twice. The main problem with picking coaches from different countries

[@hotbeefymcd8162]

​@@user-io9to7jy6sI really don't think he has another offer. It's not good to walk away like this and I am sure he values his reputation too much as a really loyal guy to leave simply for another opportunity. I mean, unless he's getting an international head coach position, I can't see any role that is worth this type of attention on him

[@jmo8934]

There seems to be a few back room staff jumping the England ship though at the moment. There must something going on behind the scenes.

[@johannblignaut1966]

Saffa fans recognise that we have an unsung hero in SARU president Mark Alexander who together with his Board and the commercial arm SARugby allow the sport to flourish.The way they got us through covid was incredible.Everybody working towards the same goal.Good working environment for players and coaches.We are privileged.

[@tilmanvondelft]

Albeit marred by the disgraceful shafting of the Cheetahs 🐆

[@MerckZ21]

@@tilmanvondelft Am I the only one who really wants to see the Cheetahs play in Super Rugby?

[@tilmanvondelft]

@@MerckZ21 that would be awesome

[@skibbitybopmdada]

@@MerckZ21 That would be great but its just not feasible anymore. The best hope for the Cheetahs is a second-tier URC style comp with some of the Euro teams from Portugal, Georgia, Russia, etc.

[@stevedavidson666]

@@MerckZ21 You have to be joking. Super Rugby died a death a long time ago. The Cheetahs will be far better off in any N-S competition than travelling half way round the world to play rugby league with a bunch of Antipodeans. For a start, who'll pay for it. Just give it time, things will have a way of sorting themselves out.

[@Slappies007]

Rassies next move, bring him back like Pollard in the World Cup 😅

[@deebrowne1136]

Once you work with Rassie and the BOKKE it’s hard to settle anywhere ♥️🇿🇦

[@64jkn]

Other Ireland , Coming home Felix Jones☘☘😉

[@GBH001]

How do you know?

[@darraghmckinley3845]

Felix is on his way to Ireland Andy Farrell is the best coach 🔥🔥🔥

[@jasonbuys172]

​@@darraghmckinley3845 Andy best coach 😂😂😂

[@phillipmiga3961]

True look at Matt proudfoot former springboks forward coach won the world cup with Rassie 2019 England snatched him after 2019 he didn't last for 2years he went to help Namibia I don't know if he is still there, No other coach in the world will allow assistant coach to take over the team just for 1 game to showcase their rugby knowledge except Rassie

[@stevearries1753]

He should come back to the Boks. We'll happily take him back.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

I think at this point if he wanted a frigging cabinet post in South Africa he could get one. His stock here is sky high

[@kristian762]

No room for him in the bok setup anymore... we don't need 9, sorry 8, assistant coaches

[@paddyharte1888]

That ship has sailed he's coming back home will be our next national coach

[@ashg9023]

​@@kristian762 it's not about having the best it's about stopping others from having the best

[@anelfrylinck841]

​@@kristian762so many other opportunities for him...7s rugby, ladies rugby, etc...❤

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

Felix realised that Steve doesn't know what Rassie knows ...

[@muhammad3351]

Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie😂😂😂

[@Fafa_86]

It's been a tough gig for Steve since the start, but it's amazing to see how far Jerry and Felix have come along since their coaching days in Munster.

[@andynicoletti7789]

Can we just reflect on how GOOD Chasing The Sun 2 was?

[@WorldbestDJDuoTV]

Can’t wait for 3

[@nevillepieterse9983]

We need to win 2027 for the documentary to be brilliant lol Imagine watching it and we get knocked out in semis

[@xolamzimqhayi6796]

@@nevillepieterse9983 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭

[@phillipsugwas]

Will he go to NZ....?

[@optoms1178]

Both Chasing the sun 1,2 are equally brilliant ❤

[@neezamoafrica1546]

Felix has achieved so much at such a young age! 👏🏾Wishing him all the best with his next adventure.

[@LFire12]

Simon Easterby Ireland's Defence Coach is taking over as Head Coach for Ireland while Andy is off with the Lions. Defence Coach postion with his own country open for Felix perhaps?

[@NeilMontgomery-v6s]

Easterby is a fantastic defense coach himself. Statistically, only South Africa are better and there isn't much in it.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@@NeilMontgomery-v6sstatistically? I don’t think so

[@kevinewert8546]

Come back to the Boks!

[@jbarrett2299]

@@kevinewert8546 lol nooooooo

[@lm_b5080]

i'm disappointed we lost him, the man has huge potential to be a future coach. could even start him through a URC team

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Tim - this Felix Jones situation has got to be further investigated. “To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.” ― Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest The track record of the RFU with coaches is unreal. To see Walters & Jones leave in such a short time is no coincidence. In my opinion, I don't see the problem being Steve Borthwick. This chaos emerging at Twickenham appears to be the work of the Suits running the RFU. It's not conceivable to me that 2 top level coaches would just walk away from an England Squad that is obviously on the rise.

[@luthorusa192]

“What’s he gonna do next?” We can’t be sure about that however one thing we can be sure about is that he WILL NOT LACK ANY SUITORS.

[@DAGATHire]

water is wet

[@davidloughlin2238]

Fantastic channel, I am an Irish fan and I discovered the channel during the world cup last year. Been relying on you ever since.

[@ianjacobs2998]

Great my Irish friend.The best podcast by far 👌👍👏

[@tonymurphy9795]

Same here!

[@seannorris7993]

Tim, just watched ‘Whistleblowers’ today, a must watch for rugby enthusiasts. The WC refs version of Chasing the Sun. I highly reccomend it to all.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Appreciate the suggestion!

[@stefanschouteden5196]

Tim, listen, he must be missing the way of life in South Africa (home sick). As you mentioned during your trip in Hoedspruit, once this gets into your blood, it does not let go... Btw, as a Belgian guy, married to a South African lady, I also visited that area (had a project there for my employer), and I can still smell the potjiekos and remember it as the best food, ever consumed! And let us be honest, the weather in SA cannot be matched anywhere, either... So my bet, is that he will return to SA. 😜

[@stevenbissett]

Would you please give your sales pitch to saffas living in Auckland.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Homesick … the man is from ireland 😂 I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s heads back to ireland

[@n-tertainmentx-tended4760]

I noticed that Rassie kept quiet when Jones spoke with the players. I'm guessing that he was constantly interrupted and second-guessed in the English dressing room.

[@charmelbhagdath9239]

Good observation. Most likely true than not.👍

[@sportrocdoc2237]

It was a choice Sinfield or Jones...who would you rather choose? .....Jones of course!

[@GavinAllinson]

Think it was more Sinfield was going to leave and now he has changed his mind.

[@MiniMatthew]

Apart from when Steve said when Felix spoke the room was silent and everybody captivated. Not the best observation you have made there lol.

[@06alepea1]

Any facts to back up that assumption of the England dressing room? Or is the SA “culture” just soooo much better than everyone else?

[@WernerHNel]

Rassie is like Aurelius Maximus. He is a rock hard general, that has the love and respect of all his lieutenants, and the undying respect of all his soldiers

[@Camcolito]

Don't forget his head of strength and conditioning, Biggus Dickus.

[@The-0189]

It's Marcus Aurelius😂

[@Japes10101]

😅😅.. not.. ​@@The-0189

[@kmclel1814]

Fuck me you saffas would bend over for him if he asked, sure he’s won 2 world cups but sitting at a 60 percent win rate isn’t impressive

[@johanweakley2658]

Felix Jones...... respect from South Africa. We know what a massive role he played in the Boks' success.

[@x-latetv-x6816]

The only irish rugby man to get past a quarter finals😂

[@johanweakley2658]

@x-latetv-x6816 🤣🤣 this is true! And thoroughly deserved, which I am sure you will agree on!

[@ianjacobs2998]

​@@x-latetv-x6816Twice 😊😊😊

[@jbarrett2299]

Felix, Ireland is calling you. Time to come home young man and focus on your home country. We will welcome you with open arms ☘️🇮🇪

[@64jkn]

ABSOLUTELY BLOODY LUTELY ☘☘☘☘😃😉😉

[@Alias-gy3tz]

No... the weather is to dreary. I think the sunshine of South Africa is calling him.

[@jj12313]

No shit.

[@ravenblack7052]

We've nationalised Felix. Africa is calling its son home.

[@grantfussell8833]

If he wants to coach kiwis n safas? Coach Ireland 😂😂

[@user-du8em2xq5c]

As a Boks supporter, I take no pleasure in this. Rugby needs a strong England team. I hope he goes to the Ireland national team via Leinster

[@johannblignaut1966]

Good comment🇿🇦

[@brianward6131]

My hope too

[@ezrolly898]

Yeah man, the Roses are my second team

[@blaquenguni9249]

You at least have to know he's a Munster man through and through before yapping

[@Camcolito]

Nah we don't the shitter the better for England :-D

[@randomlyfactual1943]

As soon as I heard the news, I was waiting for this video!

[@EggchasersRugby]

thanks for watching!

[@randomlyfactual1943]

​@@EggchasersRugbyAlways, Tim! Can't wait to hear your verdict of Cape Town. You should try to make a point to visit Robben Island. When I was there last time, they actually let us into Nelson Mandela's cell.

[@dumisaralane]

Me too. This is my number one rugby channel for any major rugby news😎

[@Alias-gy3tz]

@@randomlyfactual1943 In my mind's eye I can see a little puppy with a wagging tale, looking up with loving eyes. So sweet! Too cute!

[@codepuncher]

@@randomlyfactual1943 You don`t realise the news is a pantomime ? and Mandela was the chosen actor. oh man.

[@cs0654]

Nothing but respect for Felix Jones. He is a gentleman coach and scholar of all things rugby strategy, huge loss for England but will be someone else's gain for sure.

[@user-qe9cx6uf7n]

South african rugby used to mess with the coaches alot but when rassie was appointed he became director of rugby (role he invented) as well as head coach which is what made the difference.

[@AndrewDickson-wo3ly]

Was just thinking that before Rassie SARU was a Dog show.

[@nielvanderwalt1965]

Lol he didnt invent that role 😂

[@TheMatthewLoder]

@@nielvanderwalt1965in South Africa he did, there wasn’t a DOR for the boks before

[@nickeybotha2155]

Wow Tim, commiserations. These two are both the best of the best and so positive for the England team. They are proven winners. I also dont think its Borthwick. Must be the old senile fogeys in your union. We loved them at the boks, added so much value

[@ThePretender47]

Come on Felix, you know your heart is in South Africa and the Springboks. We will be waiting for you.

[@user-do9un1pb1e]

We would like him to back in SA he is an awesome asset to any team

[@monunyabidness5949]

Rassie has fostered a working environment for the players, AND COACHES, where no one is mounted on a pedestal, and everyone is working to the *same goal.* Everyone understands that no matter how insignificant their contribution, that contribution is necessary for all the other parts and people to do what they do best.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Bit dramatic

[@monunyabidness5949]

@@SmcdMcd-d2k What's dramatic about it? They all work for a common goal.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@@monunyabidness5949 Rassis only became coach less than a year ago calm down other coaches were there before him and I think what you’re saying kind of translates to every single sports team in the world or every single team even a corporate office d

[@nsd_respect]

Beautiful houses in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, Felix.

[@expressoevangelism80]

As I understand it, they are all fenced with razor wire, from what I read from one of your old No 10’s who came to live here.

[@mthunziphakathi4215]

​@@expressoevangelism80still beautiful, the weather as well.

[@andreventer8734]

​@@expressoevangelism80 A bit of an exageration I would say. My yards were/is always open. Ie no fences or gates of any sort.

[@Alias-gy3tz]

@@expressoevangelism80 Depends where you live.

[@BenRelle]

No electricity though

[@IrishInsomniac76]

With Andy focusing on the Lions and Simon Easterby temporarily taking the head coach role Ireland has to get him for at least a year

[@Alias-gy3tz]

But... the weather on the Islands are just terrible. Grey and dreary, and the people... the people are so serious. I have friends from the UK that only goes home once every few years, in summer. They absolutely hate the weather. Ireland's weather is even worse. I think Felix misses the sunshine of South Africa.

[@uSbusiso_]

🍀 The return of FELIX 💚💛

[@lickybombie7778]

He is ours, Ireland can take a hike... He is south African now and will come home to South Africa

[@hermankern3939]

That would Ireland even better.

[@daithipol]

To glasgow celtic?? (🍀???)

[@barthettema3727]

Tim “They don’t know what we know” let Felix come back to SA

[@danielmcw]

This would be epic if he rejoined Rassies team

[@geraldomuller6432]

Imagine Tony n felix working together in a side thats going for 3 consecutive world cups

[@gelster365]

I just got a semi

[@codepuncher]

Not just that, Flannery will be on Jones`s hotline to come back to SA. But I think Mr Jones will opt for the B and I Lions gig. Who wouldn`t. And once that`s won in Aus, then come back to the boks for the 3peat.

[@LFC_05]

Felix Jones is always most welcome in South Africa

[@vahorgan]

Would love to see this guy take a t2 nation on the rise to the next level.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Would be ace. He'll have his pick of gigs

[@conallgeneral8136]

Georgia 🇬🇪 are next cab off the rank , they will need some commercial support from Mr Ivanishvili and his Gazprom pals though to break the stranglehold of the 6N

[@Alias-gy3tz]

I agree.

[@faranglao8006]

Good call.

[@user-io9to7jy6s]

Agree - Wales are in desperate need.

[@simonpaulmiddleton]

My sense is that Felix Jones has a depth of heart that even he did not understand what had happened to him when in the Springbok culture... but he needed to have an external contrast to plumb and map this part of his being. I think he has a longing for what he left where he was deeply regarded.

[@tilmanvondelft]

👆

[@Alias-gy3tz]

Well said.

[@nevillepieterse9983]

This is great news , especially with the Boks due to play England in November as I noticed last few games England also adopting a rush defence style approach similar to the Boks

[@Alias-gy3tz]

That will not change. They will be able to continue with the rush defense.

[@nevillepieterse9983]

Maybe, but not as good as the felix jibes blue print he copies over from the boks

[@nevillepieterse9983]

*jones

[@nevillepieterse9983]

@@Alias-gy3tz YES, but not with a coach that know the Boks set up and players inside out for 6 years he has been with us

[@mullerierabe-taljaard4867]

The RFU angle is probably the thorn in England's side.

[@RichardMcCarthy-p6z]

We want him back in SA where he will always be valued and respected

[@rocheleleroux6970]

Felix is adored by ZA! Come back to the Boks! 💚💛💚💛💚💛💚💛

[@Afrosaxonn]

I'm a bok fan, but take no pleasure in hearing this. World rugby is haemoraging in so many places. Rugby needs a strong England, Australia, Wales. I do hope they get this sorted.

[@stace2777]

Come back to the Boks 💚💚💚

[@happysaffa8871]

If Felix comes back to South Africa, I would actually feel sorry for the rest of the world.

[@anelfrylinck841]

Come back home, Felix, you and your family! Your knowledge is invaluable! Lots of opportunities in South Africa and you will always be welcome and respected. Africa is already manifested in your blood. Tim, 2 words come to mind...honesty and transparency...Rassie showed the way...hulle weet nog steeds nie wat ons weet nie.. ❤❤ money power is not everything...

[@willemsteyn7808]

Once a Bok always a Bok! Felix we miss you too!

[@NiamhRoche-wk8bp]

Hes not a bok hes a proud irish man 😊

[@hendrikdegoede981]

Great show mate!! See you in South Africa.

[@Facebrook99]

Once you worked within a free flowing South African culture work environment, you can feel marginalised so easily within other cultures. We solve problems in five minutes through quick direct and uninhibited discussion. We focus on solutions and get on with it. Add value and talk sense and we will listen. Coming from a Saffa struggling with NZ, talk to much work environment.

[@simontaylor2525]

Aye that approach seems to work well for running the country

[@MB_Mangena57]

And he wasn't fired at bokks , we will love to have him back a very valuable person that dude

[@oj4249]

Him and Aled missing the braai’s. 🤣🇿🇦🔥

[@EggchasersRugby]

haha

[@LFire12]

Aled's back in Ireland! 😁

[@drikuslourens1854]

the question must be asked what is rassies magic touch not just getting players to feel comfortable and buy into one program, but hes also clearly doing something where the people working under him feel supported and that they are in an environment designed for them to exceed in. the great plan as rassie says 😂❤

[@oshead]

I bet he's got a big job offer he can't refuse. Big money move, probably somewhere in France. Could be La Rochelle with ROG and Ryan. What a team they'd make. Edit: Funny part is I think Andy Farrell feels that he's Irish. I don't know his family tree, but his family and his wife's, on both sides, have a strong Irish heritage. I'd say he's more Irish than English.

[@christoduplessis8177]

Veey happy with our Bok coaches, but Felix is welcome back in the Republic whenever he wants to come back. One of the best coaches in the game!!!

[@WorldbestDJDuoTV]

Rassie use a selfless service type of leadership just like in military, for the fact that he has a military background helps a lot in his style of leadership, loyalty ,duty , respect , honour and integrity

[@thecuttingsark5094]

Being Ex Military myself, I thought that was the ONLY real Leadership

[@henrymilleruk100]

This news is honestly such a gut punch. This combined with not having access to European games this year means the prem is going to be my main interest this year. Tempted to just zone out the rest. Dire news for England - consistency and game plan building around the vision of someone who has walked 🤯

[@EggchasersRugby]

Agreed. Hard to rationalise

[@henrymilleruk100]

@@EggchasersRugby coaching talent, the stability of said talent, and the game plan slowly built around has been the main thing I’ve been yapping to my mates about in the post Eddie - Steve is the man era. Feel like it’s just gone poof in a fortnight 😂

[@zinzanwhitelaw9461]

He'll always be welcome back home, in South Africa

[@SamWashkansky]

Saffa fans and journos have a love & respect for the springboks period, whether it's the players or managers. We need the bokke to be successful for the national psyche. England journos, in general, are very quick to criticize, it's almost as if they aren't criticizing they're not doing their job. There are very different attitudes towards the national teams in SA and England

[@keegz87]

Probably sitting there in the England coaching meetings going “WTF is this rubbish?! What is this…amateur hour? I shouldn’t have left the Boks.” Calls Rassie 🎉

[@samoday2992]

Talk about blowing smoke up your own ass.

[@IverKnackerov]

What a tool….

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Absolutely gutted. His work on England's defense has been awesome to watch, honestly can't see who replaces him and how we keep that system.

[@ianjacobs2998]

Sad for England.How can you let him go..madness 😵😵🤯What a great coach. *From 🇿🇦 a Springbok supporter

[@AffectionateMountainRang-xv8gv]

Top Stuff Tim as usual . From SA . Come back Felex

[@kurukoei]

Not too long ago, SA Rugby was a shambles. Lots of political pressure with the infamous quota system, the appointed coaches were not the right people. We slipped to 7th in the world and the Springbok days were all but over. SA Rugby knew that had to change and the begged Rassie to help. He accepted the appointment with some caveats. Rule number 1, do not interfere and let me do my job! We all knew Rassie is a rugby genius and with a little bit of faith, he started building a team and the results came. We haven't heard from the politicians in ages, the team is transformed and our rugby is in a healthy state. The secret? Not 1 person is bigger than the team. Whether you are a player or a coach. Fit in or leave. Felix left because he wanted to grow as a coach. We love him here in SA but he made his choice (as did Jacques) so they probably won't return. We have faith in Tony and Jerry and the core coaching team is still there. I hope the RFU and Australiacan sort themselves out because we need these teams to be strong! Nice channel Tim. Hope to see you at Ellis Park!

[@mahlanguism]

Come home Felix….. to Cape Town

[@Alias-gy3tz]

Terrible weather, that wind! Nee wat, kom binneland toe Felix!

[@truthandjustice6838]

If he is after South African sunshine, surely it's Pretoria.

[@mahlanguism]

@@truthandjustice6838 I agree

[@ianjacobs2998]

​@@Alias-gy3tzLived in Jhb for 35 yrs..now in the Cape on the W Coast 25yrs.Cant touch the beautiful West Coast EVER!!!! LANGEBAAN 😊😊😊😊

[@theaugiraud6173]

Tim rocking the France Rugby kit yet again, showing your true colours matey hehe

[@KernowekTim]

Shame. We need a strong English force to go up against. Hope it gets sorted and England continue to progress. They're looking very good again. 🏴‍☠☘

[@robertwood6297]

he was highly valued in SA, so it won't come as a surprise if he returns

[@MosesMatsepane]

He said that he wanted to be closer to home. He was home sick.

[@billparry7058]

That is really bad news for us England fans.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Agree 100%.

[@gelster365]

Massive blow for English rugby. Massive.

[@billparry7058]

​@@gelster365💯

[@whtwht]

Mahoooosive? Nah.

[@phillipsugwas]

I based my own view of best outcome for 27 for England on what he was bringing to the party...now...?

[@nadinepretorius-makan6349]

Is it possible that he was just so next level to what England was accustomed to that they weren't ready for what he brought to the table? His wealth of knowledge, attention to detail on stats on the opponents soul...Brilliance needs to be embraced sometimes; ignore at your own peril. Great loss for England Rugby, great win for wherever Felix decides to move on to.

[@EggchasersRugby]

I'd say that's unlikely. Borthwick promoted him.

[@Ollyk1]

The man is back living in Ireland and flying over and back to England. His family are very settled in Dublin. He ain’t going back to SA or Australia. I reckon a stint with the lions and then an Irish province would be a good outcome for Felix. I doubt he has anything lined up though. This is a man leaving out of frustration not someone who has been lured away.

[@wot4922]

Agreed ✌🇿🇦

[@alanmulcahy7749]

Sounds like he should come back to Leinster !!!

[@conallgeneral8136]

@@alanmulcahy7749 Leo Cullen should watch his back !

[@johannblignaut1966]

@@Ollyk1 You are so right but he is fondly remembered in SA.Time for Felix to become a head coach.Munster perhaps?

[@scoutunited]

I think he should be given an Irish province DOR role.

[@lukeperks1915]

Fgs defence and S&C were the two facets keeping us in games. Of course Borthwick keeping radio silence on it all too. Genuinely struggle to see where England go from here.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Real head scratcher

[@Davidvx1468]

your always welcome at the boks Felix

[@iallso1]

I was on holiday in Auckland at the end of March. The timing coincided with the Pacific Rugby Hall of Fame induction & conference. The conference was in the hotel in which I was staying, and I saw quite a few familiar faces from the past 40 years of rugby. One evening, Scott Robertson and Jase Ryan were sitting just along from me talking in the bar, apart from a couple of the former players, nobody went and bothered them. During the 5 days I was there I only observed one occasion when any of those former players was approached, with a mature lady going to speak to Michael Jones after he had finished his breakfast.

[@jksinorbit]

The George is so full of old pisscats that by 12 noon they were probably too far gone to recognize the coaching team 😅

[@ciaranbrk]

The only thing I can think of is its likely the RFU were over involved in all of this. Because England were looking great with felix Jones in the set up as well.

[@callumhornigold1961]

Comment section lit with Saffas.

[@ianjacobs2998]

Yes we are!! We just shocked 😲to hear that a great man/coach has just left England 😳🙄 A very stupid move 😵

[@OnlineSuccessCoach]

Great video mate! Thank you! Think the 'brotherhood' and connection that the SA team and coaching staff... and fans... have for one another is a huge part of it!

[@polarbearfelly]

Huge blow. This now really lowers England's chances of getting many wins this autumn, or having any decent chance come the next 6 nations.

[@davidwalker2402]

England have had very few wins last 6 nations and less in recent tests…

[@polarbearfelly]

The performances were promising finally though. The trajectory was good. Hope was there...now dashed 😂

[@AbeHopwood]

​@@davidwalker2402 thats just not true

[@davidwalker2402]

@@AbeHopwood yes it is, fact : last 6 games England have won 2 one against Ireland in twickenham last minute, 1 against tier 2 nation Japan and lost 4 . Bortwick is a coach who has tried to copy other international coaches who have rugby philosophy true philosophy Bortwick has none, along with Eddie Jones he brought England almost to despair in a regime that went through many many coaches to end up with a nothing team and this England is heading the same way. It’s the head coach that should be resigning.

[@AbeHopwood]

@davidwalker2402 I don't know why I said not true because technically its true that England have lost 4 matches this year. But, who did they lose to? They lost to Scotland which was genuinely an awful game and England were terrible. Then they lost to France. That was a very close game where England played very well, but france had home advantage and also got a very lucky penalty last minute. Then they lost to new zealand twice IN NEW ZEALAND, where they played very well and arguably should've won at least 1 of those games and with a bit more discipline could've won both matches. And their win against Ireland wasn't a one off thing, as they've shown they can play well in other games against a couple of the other top 4 nations but also England genuinely played very well against Ireland and absolutely deserved that win. You've got to remember England got 2 penalties just before their drop goal on irelands try line, and probably could've scored a try. When you bring who England lost to into the argument you realise that their losses weren't even that bad. I mean look at a team like south africa. They've only played against 1 good side this year and that was against Ireland twice in South africa. They lost 1 of those matches. The other 4 games they've won were against wales, Portugal and australia twice and we all know what Australia's like at the moment. The point is that writing England off for losing 3 games to insanely good teams away that are literally rated higher than them anyway is kinda unfair. Theyve played incredibly well against all teams theyve faced that are in the top 4 so far this year and they even won one of them. If you consider Borthwick a poor head coach at the moment you're suggesting he has a lot of room to improve. If a head coach this good can get a lot better, England will be unstopable

[@wesleygouws1140]

How is TIM the only person covering this kind of deep analysis of our game internationally? no wonder rugby is behind other sports... Tim this is wat we crave as die hard rugby fans and thanx for bringing it....

[@wesleygouws1140]

God forbid i might start too forgive the english for their forefathers sins through such a wonderful bridge that you are building with your platform, and the physical presence and your coverage of rugby not only at school level in our country but internationally, your tearing curtains down my man... Long standing hatred that the afrikaners have for the english wont dissapate somme but you are doing greater work then you will ever know

[@rorysullivan4913]

I agree. Get him back with South Africa

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

I’m interested as to your reasoning for that?

[@ianjacobs2998]

​@@lizzyhanahoe4197He's a brilliant 👏👌coach ...that's it!!!!!!! From 🇿🇦S.Africa 🇿🇦

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@ianjacobs2998 I know that 👍but it’s a wrong person answer to my question. But thanks anyway ☘🇮🇪

[@ianjacobs2998]

@@lizzyhanahoe4197 oops👍

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@ianjacobs2998 Bless you 😊

[@nidgeot9968]

I can’t tell you what a big win Aled Walters is for us. Just massive relief at this point 😅 Humphreys off to a very good start in his new role methinks.

[@Forest9528]

Clearly he was missing Rassie and the Boks. We'll gladly take him back

[@Icosindaba]

Tim, there is a concept known as "the Scapegoat Mechanism", articulated by French philosopher Rene Girard. This, (and the departure of Scott Robinson) is perfectly explained by that. When the Boks start losing, we will see it surface here too. Happens in sport, politics, religion, academia and business. We all do it. Makes us feel better when we f up.

[@mpumelelo8590]

Been waiting for this reaction for a long time.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Better late than never ;)

[@richardpeens5379]

Hiya Tim....As a Saffa, celebrities are people too, they come to SA and they are not hounded or bothered by us locals, everybody deserves to be respected. So as a nation we respect their space and privacy.

[@khayelihlemngoma2393]

Never paid attention but Eggchasers colour theme are the Springbok colours 💚💛

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

But of course :)

[@onlookervb]

Hoping and praying we somehow get him back to ireland but the problem with having so few teams is that I'm not sure there's really an opening but I'd argue he's a talent that you make a spce for even if you have to invent one ! i agree though I don't think it's a Borthwick problem everyone who worked for him or played for him seems to love him or at least respect him so it must be something else

[@shaunbentham7361]

We want him back! ❤

[@anitaduplessis2865]

England's loss. Any team that wants to accelerate should be open-minded and willing to move mountains to include Felix Jones. Wishing Felix Jones every success. SA loves and appreciates Felix Jones.

[@CptRumcan]

England keep poaching coaches who worked with rassie and those coaches always end up regretting it.

[@EggchasersRugby]

There's absolutely a trend

[@dn822]

There was a time when Rassie wanted that job. They chose Eddie. That was a big mistake

[@tilmanvondelft]

@@dn822😮

[@tilmanvondelft]

The anticlimax of coaching England after experiencing the Springbok 🇿🇦 gees for 6 years must have been unbearable…

[@CptRumcan]

@@tilmanvondelft well the money is proly double

[@nicolaaspretorius6258]

Love the Eddie Jones Freudian slip!

[@CptRumcan]

Felix used to the south African culture. Proly wasn't appreciated.

[@wirigumbie5798]

Sir FElix Jones is always welcome to come back to join our double World Cup winning Boks (he is also an honorary South African)😊 Lol - it also wasn’t too long ago that our national rugby was also a shambles and shambles off the field = shambles on the feild

[@Alias-gy3tz]

He misses Rassie and the Springboks. If you think there is no interference in SA rugby, you are sadly mistaken. Rassie just knows how to deal with it.

[@ContendformyFaith]

At this point SARU too scared of losing Rassie.They won't be meddling too much ,especially given he delivered and continually do so

[@WellnessWithWarren]

I used to manage at St. Georges, during the 95 WC, and we had a lot of the English and Welsh players in there getting slammed, singing and all that. Incredible to hear it is still operating.

[@2birdswithastone]

Quit to goto New Zealand maybe. I hear a spot opened up just the other day in their coaching team.

[@angusevans0621]

Lol, good comment.

[@rogue_luko]

New Zealand is the only Tier One nation that hardly ever hires non-Kiwius/foreigners in the main coaching set-up. I can only recall the Aussie Mick Byrne (Fiji Drua coach) who was employed as a skills coach under Steve Hansen. He was the exception to the long held tradition of the NZRU refusing to hire outsiders. Nz exports their coaches but is heavily resistant to foreign input. South Africa however, welcomes it.

[@ezrolly898]

​@@rogue_lukonot for the main coach though. I would be disappointed if the Boks and Blacks get a foreigner as a head coach.

[@Camcolito]

@@rogue_luko Razor has history hiring Irish coaches though.

[@conallgeneral8136]

@@rogue_lukoRónán O Gara spent 2 years in Razors team at the Crusaders - next best thing , so never say never 😊

[@Driver2616]

Obviously (without any specific insider knowledge), there are problems within the England setup. A man of the stature of Felix Jones would not walk away otherwise.

[@bodysystemz]

Get him to the Sharks

[@Alias-gy3tz]

As head coach, yes.

[@Alec-sanderMeirellesDoCantoECa]

Sad for English rugby, but more sad for Felix Jones because he deserves player and coach buy-in, union support, and respect. I think it's time Ireland benefit from him, but if they can't strike a deal then damn he's more than welcome back here at the Boks anytime .. hopefully before 2027

[@clydebear6914]

Was shocked when I heard this today. A defence coach vital to 2 WC wins.....and he quits England after just 7 months. Very weird. Something is definitely rotten in Steve Borthwick's camp.

[@peterroycroft]

May already have been said but some press reports are suggesting the RFU will make Felix Jones work out his 12 months notice. Not sure how that would play out. Would they pay him? If not he would have an open-and-shut case for denial of employment.