FELIX JONES - WHERE NEXT? | JONES OFFICIALLY A FREE AGENT

[@cjgrobler101]

He is a absolute genius rugby mind!! You are welcome in South Africa any time.

[@nsd_respect]

Pretty nice houses in Cape Town and great weather, Felix.

[@A-world-of-My-Own]

Dublin, or Cork also has nice houses, and most of the same people as SA. with More money and crap weather. Well you can,t have everything.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@A-world-of-My-Own you have clearly not experienced winter in Cape Town - don't call it Cape of Storms for nothing 😅 Although Darragh has just had its way with your side so perhaps you win this contest!

[@A-world-of-My-Own]

@@Karma-qt4ji I have for 23 years! wind and rain I can take. UK weather sucks. It's so damn cold. They do not call it crap for nothing, or the Emerald Isle, Who do you think waters the grass?

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@A-world-of-My-Own LOL I grew up in Jhb, moved to CT as a teenager, lived there slightly over 30 years and then moved to the UK. Not so bad this side (Midlands) - at least my house is insulated and keeps the wind and rain out.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

He left SA for a reason

[@gelster365]

I agree, Tim. Big loss for English rugby ( sorry mate) I would love for him to come back to the Boks or play some part in SA rugby. But let's be honest, his a proud Irishman and won't turn down Irelands call. He would be a great asset for their world cup aspirations. The fact that he's been there done that would be invaluable to Ireland and would bring some calmness to their camp. Somewhat like Eddie Jones did for the Boks back in 2007.

[@martmeister]

Would love to see him help with the Lions too. Not sure how that would work. Maybe a testing phase with Andy before committing to Ireland.

[@RazorMouth]

The IRFU will do what they can to get him.

[@fraserposford144]

Lions and then Ireland makes the most sense and seems like the most exciting thing for him to do given the potential of both teams. Can't see him going to Leinster as a Munster man, that would be treacherous.

[@kerrylass2]

What? He is a Dub and went to St Andrews, played for Leinster's under-19 team (2 caps), under-20 team (4 caps) and A team (13 caps) before making his Leinster first XV debut against Connacht in February 2008. Yes he studied in UL and worked in Munster but he's a Leinster boy...😁 The Lions are a perfect fit for him and yep Munster maybe but I suspect he may end up eventually even with his mate Nienaber in Leinster or Ireland and back in dublin .....where he has bought a house i believe.

[@jbuck147]

He is a full time professional coach and he will go to any job if the conditions for him and his family are right. I think that previous provincial and indeed national loyalty would be not be regarded as being a deal breaker by him in taking a new position. Of course Munster fans would love to see him back in Limerick and stranger things have happened, but he may want to stick with international rugby.

[@Jay-Leigh863]

I'm beginning to see where the cracks lie in Ireland rugby. That same problem that sank the Springboks previously. Provincialism!

[@EnglishVeteran]

THE RFU is THE problem in English Rugby and has been for years.

[@johndcoffee632]

Yea you're right

[@GerritBarnard-v5k]

the RFU is probably the dumbest organization in rugby. letting go of Jones is brain fart moment.

[@chrismia2402]

Come to Cape Town, our Stormers need you and the WP fans would welcome you!

[@James-ih4gz]

Ireland need him honestly the national team needs fresh coaches I think

[@hoggiegaming1749]

Hopefully he comes back to Limerick. Loved watching him play would have more caps if not for injuries and Rob Kearney

[@desspringhall1418]

Felix is on his way to the Boks

[@ColinGrealy]

Would love him to come to Ireland, but honestly, I wish him well wherever he goes.

[@kerrylass2]

He;s in Ireland, Dublin already...his family are here since they left SA.

[@ColinGrealy]

@ I meant coaching!!!

[@Camcolito]

@@ColinGrealy Would love him to come to Wexford round to my gaff for a few jars, but I wish him well wherever he goes!

[@ColinGrealy]

@ he’d have a few stories to tell!!

[@axelbooysen1088]

Our boy Felix is coming home to South Africa ❤

[@RugbyGuru-b8f]

Felix is a rare rugby genius.

[@charmelbhagdath9239]

Australia for me. With a NZ head coach and some Springbok DNA, could make Australia formidable as World cup hosts.

[@313DVE]

He moved to England to be closer to home but yeah Australia 😂

[@charmelbhagdath9239]

Very funny. You should get your own tv comedy show. Career moves are not solely based on geographical location especially seeing that his circumstances have changed. Thats when humans become flexible, diverse and accommodating.

[@davidhegarty5824]

He's literally said he wants to be closer to home. So Australia is a no.

[@stiofain88]

Time to come back to the Emerald Isle 😊

[@christo_kruger]

You spelled mud island wrong.

[@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness]

​@@christo_kruger You're not from a country that's in a position to judge literally anyone else.

[@oshead]

I can't wait for the book.

[@michaelmkhize4650]

Come back home where your input is valued.......South africa ❤❤❤

[@brianodriscoll2725]

Ireland have a habit of not freshening things up half way through coaching cycles and I think that’s how teams figure us out . Felix would be a great addition to mix things up a bit .

[@garethprice6969]

He parted well with the Springboks. Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery have worked wonders, so I doubt he'll be asked to come back. I think it'll be Ireland and Lions in 2025, then completely Ireland for a good few years afterwards. Love your stuff. Thanks Tim.

[@ZO150ZO]

agree

[@vladtheinhaler6579]

The B&I Lions tour is a no brainer. He'll be AF's second in command there...no doubt in my mind about that. Afterwards I can see him taking the Munster gig. He knows the set up well there and very popular among the Munster faithful and would be just the man get Munster back among the top teams again and a serious rival to Leinster. And after that...I wouldn't be surprised to see him go for and getting the Ireland job after AF leaves. One thing for sure is though I bet his phone is hopping right now from all quarters of the rugby world making lavish offers. Best of luck to him whatever road he decides to take.

[@Vlerkies]

Having the balls to 'leave England', having the pedigree he has, and ok he was a HUGE asset for us in SA in the past. I reckon Felix is Flexing!!! And good for him. He has the skill and the resume. Good for him. Felix doing what is good for Felix, cant fault that at all.

[@BozoPendrangle]

Hope he heads back to the Springboks.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

He left SA for a reason my friend

[@StopTheRot]

If the WRU don’t offer him the world then they’re nuts.

[@Zveebo]

No way England would release him for the Wales job though.

[@Camcolito]

He wouldn't take the Wales job for all the whiskey in Ireland.

[@rick32]

I feel like going from Rassie and the Boks to any other team will be tough. It's such a unique environment, you wonder how well that would transfer to coaching other sides. Felix would be welcome back to SA in any role

[@OskarBosco-o2w]

Jesus look at those guns. Nice top Tim, very designery, suits you

[@Zveebo]

100% it’s the Lions. He’s effectively been on gardening leave in all but name, and the only way that England would release him from that is for the Lions, given they are not competitors. Beyond that, plenty of options, but I doubt he’s decided for sure which to take. I doubt he’s going back to SA though - he had a long stint there, and achieved everything he wanted there. It would be retreading old ground.

[@sbutler66]

I think he'll be part of the Lions tour, just not sure if for the Lions or the Wallabies

[@robertwood6297]

interesting observation

[@MondliNhlaka]

Clearly FELIX was at his happiest with Rassie & Jacques, what are others doing?

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

You must be joking 😂

[@johnmcalinden4293]

I'd say that he'll go to Munster, although the Lions is a good shout too.

[@RazorMouth]

Yeah I'd say Munster and they need someone like him too.

[@Steve-gr6jm]

Ireland and basically every province need him so he has his pick of jobs here.

[@gelster365]

@Steve-gr6jm i think it would be a shame if Ireland dont pick him up. You've got a great coach and an even better team. As a two-time WC winner, he could be the last piece of the puzzle for Irelands World Cup glory.

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@@gelster365 it’s not about ireland not picking him. It’s about what felix wants to pick.

[@RazorMouth]

For now Munster is the obvious place for him. They need his knowledge big time. If not yeah Ireland, can't see the IRFU letting him slip away.

[@OskarBosco-o2w]

After that performance.. Jesus, even felix can’t save em

[@RazorMouth]

@OskarBosco-o2w bad alright but that's why they need him. Sure they've no permanent head coach even at the moment.

[@Camcolito]

F'in painful watching them earlier this evening.

[@astralplainer]

The problem with English rugby is the RFU.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Tim, I would agree with you about the B&I Lions Tour then on to Ireland possibility. I think that will be a lot clearer depending on how Simon Easterby led Ireland does in the upcoming Six Nations. In terms of FJ's potential move to one of the Provinces, that seems less likely because he will attract more lucrative offers from abroad in my opinion - only Leinster have the financial clout to compete in that regard. If Leo Cullen fails to deliver a trophy in 2025, I would think it more likely that Nienaber takes over the Head Coach role.

[@peterp9918]

Think you're right about the Lions - I can't see the RFU letting him go to a rival (unless the finances are forcing it).

[@Sbu_Phakathwayo]

back to back to back 😅😅😅😅

[@kevinvolf8387]

He'll get the band back together but the band is hermitage green not a south african coaching ticket

[@aonghus3860]

Wouldn't be surprised if he is going to Munster as they have been holding interviews lately, as far as i understand. I thought he could go to Leinster if Jacques wasn't staying on next year, although I think the IRFU should be doing their damnedest to get him into the Ireland set up, although I am not sure where they would fit him there. Either way, I will be seriously T'd off if he isn't going somewhere in Ireland

[@DeonSmith-p7l]

All this talk make me love rugby all the more. Every person commenting loves rugby and thats the biggest response here. Where ever Felix goes it will benefit rugby

[@johnlewis2972]

He needs to be a headcoach now

[@nevillepieterse9983]

Boks should secure his services as a consultant for 2027 World Cup

[@sylvesterpieters8705]

Come back home felix where y belong BACK 2 BACK

[@HarryNye]

Hear me now, believe me later... Wales

[@simoncoleman5408]

Jones is a winner and I think he realised that Borthwick isn't one. He just wants to be part of success. That's why he moved on.

[@tallshort1849]

As an Englishman im really annoyed about this. Im not sure whose to blame but its a lot of money that hasn't gone to the grassroots and has achieved nothing for the national team

[@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness]

He got your blitz defense working just in time for your game against us in the Six Nations and denied us the Grand Slam.

[@tallshort1849]

​@MurphysisbetterthanGuinnessdid he? The defence had already gotten us to a WC Semi final. What did he add? Overall did England get better in the 6N

[@wesrobmat]

Canada's long-time head coach Kingsley Jones has just stepped down. A strong Canadian team would be great!

[@kleawere2425]

My guess he might wanna help with a Tier 2 Nation.He has already reached the pinnacle of his career with SA, and if its about money, he might go for a Tier 1 Nation.Personally, I think he could be a great value to any Tier 2 Nation.

[@The_Rooster_RSA]

I understood he is in Cape Town an he was one of the presenters at the Coaches Seminar for the Stellenboch-Academy-of-Sport last week in Stellenbosch.

[@aldobonaso3481]

Sharks could certainly do with some help in defence! With a lot of the players that he's already familiar with from the Boks! 😍 hey a guy can dream 😅

[@SVAgxlxxi]

if he goes to ireland i’m rioting

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Mate… he is an Irishman

[@jack10lewis78]

It would be great if Wales brought him in as a coach

[@lungabiyela9081]

Who is taking charge of Ireland next year?

[@garytaylor6408]

Simon Easterby, confirmed months ago.

[@Camcolito]

FFG

[@9Charcot]

whatever happened it is hugely disappointing that Felix left the England job, leaving England picking up second division coaches....sorry Joe...

[@unleashedmystery]

He will head to ireland and if he doesn’t we’ll never forgive him

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Seems strange that a country with a history of importing talent won't forgive talented people if they leave. Little bit hypocritical don't you think?

[@jonathandavis8599]

He wants to win another WC, not exit at the QF.

[@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness]

​@@Karma-qt4ji We haven't taken any more foreign players than any other rugby nations with the exception of South Africa and Argentina and that's just because nobody wants to go there.

[@x-latetv-x6816]

​@@jonathandavis8599in 2027, he has the experience to get ireland past the quarter finals.

[@Camcolito]

@@Karma-qt4ji As a country we have a long history of exporting talent actually. And trust a Saffa to twist an obvious tongue-in-cheek comment into generic trolling.

[@Sdeburca2012]

I hope the IRFU starts talking to him straight away!!!!!

[@johnphelan6623]

He's going to the Lions with Andy 😊

[@derekobeirnes482]

Lions Than to Ireland with ROG IRFU

[@davidwalker2402]

To the lions and back to Ireland 🙏🙏 you might be wrong about Farrell completely finishing with Ireland , as he said , he only lives up the street, he will be keeping a very close on Ireland .

[@barrypain4188]

I wonder what if anything, he'll now be able to say.

[@mahlanguism]

He’s in Cape Town at the moment for a coaching workshop

[@eoinryan5732]

The reporting is the apparently as part of his agreement with the RFU he can't go to a tier one nation until he contract would have expired...so surely has to be Munster or Lions

[@briangovender7435]

I think he do well at stormers

[@9Charcot]

I think that he will go with the Lions but not as a defence coach...

[@BaneofBalor]

It's almost a shame that Munster seem to be turning a corner. The IRFU need him in the system somewhere, but if Munster turns their season around from here I think Prendergast will get the job. Lions -> Ireland attack coach seems most likely to me. Farrell gets to trial working with him, without taking more coaches from the Ireland setup. Ireland's attack clearly needs a fresh set of eyes and some new ideas. It all depends on whether Farrell is willing to cede some control.

[@patrickhorgan8389]

Farrell can see the signs to the Exit slip road in the distance. Has delivered great things for sure, but fresh ideas are needed.

[@OskarBosco-o2w]

If they turned a corner last week they turned another corner tonight and ended right back at the start. Woeful performance.

[@BaneofBalor]

@OskarBosco-o2w Yeah I spoke too soon...

[@patrickhorgan8389]

@OskarBosco-o2w it was a bit of a shocker alright . Leaderless and rudderless at times. A self-inflicted result.

[@ralphthethang3907]

B&IL would be crazy not to take him for the tour

[@Jay-Leigh863]

South Africa would welcome Felix. We've also currently got Jerry Flannery so it would be two Irishmen coaching the Springboks! 😂

[@ZO150ZO]

the Springbok gig is done + dusted - I think it would be next Ireland that's his home - true

[@MurphysisbetterthanGuinness]

Please God let it be Munster.

[@NzInception]

Go and win the grand slam with Wales Felix

[@Frankabagnale33]

Coming to Ireland 🇮🇪

[@neilshrekpurves4521]

I doubt that Rassie will stir the pot with his coaching staff now, he is building nicely towards 2027, given FJ's abilities, if he asked Rassie would probably open a position for him, but if that is not already part of the plan ( and only Rassie and his closest know the plan) then I doubt that there will be any knee jerk reaction

[@andrewcowman8731]

Tim do remember the RFU released terrible financial results & having to pay Felix as much as they do is a bad sign to us members paying for a failure!

[@bigdru888]

This whole situation kind of rubs me the wrong way. The rfu obviously suck and i wouldn’t want to work for them either but jones has basically turned up, become a key part of the coaching setup and then fucked off and left all the players and other coaches out to dry as soon as his mate left. Maybe im being cynical but i think thats a pretty shitty thing to do.

[@h3llb3nd4]

I suppose he worked well with Aled in the set up considering how important it is to have a conditioning coach that can keep up with the blitz defence he wanted to implement?

[@romanutd]

The problem is your first three words, none of us know the whole situation.

[@wallieveldtsman300]

Come back to RSA ......your real rugby family

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

He left SA because he wanted to

[@johnmartin7370]

Leo Cullen is not getting any younger, it would take at least two years to break in a new head coach at Leinster, Jacques Nienaber is already there. A Lions Tour and some change... Home sweet Home Felix. 😀 I wish. ( All except the Leo Cullen bit. I wish he could stay for at least twenty years more)😀

[@aonghus3860]

Leo just signed a contract until 2027. If Felix were to go to Leinster, I think it would most likely be to take Jacques' role, if Jacques decided to go back to SA that is

[@kerrylass2]

Leo Cullen is only 46,... 47 in January!! He;s younger than Farrell for fecks sake.

[@Camcolito]

@@kerrylass2 Yeah I was like what? 😂

[@SVAgxlxxi]

USA!! (i’m being delusional)

[@Camcolito]

I'd like to see the USA do better.

[@EnglishVeteran]

Mike Catt back to England?

[@BarryHawk]

Munster

[@pheasantplucker6117]

Pretty easy to be a good coach, if you you work with some of the best players in the world

[@nicolasmaligner8753]

Racing 92? Lancaster is on the edge.

[@seanofarrell8896]

I think munster would get him

[@Greg-ql8yt]

Feels like a bit of hype around Jones. He’s an assist coach - part of a team of coaches that were very successful - but there are very few examples (any?) of that transition being successful across countries/ systems. So mad to give international gig unless assist, or a non Ireland club gig (given he’s a Homer). Lions makes little sense as not close to Irish or Scottish systems with such limited connection (and so few English likely to be picked). Club option in Ireland as head coach looks best option.

[@IrishInsomniac76]

The Lions are the only ones that can afford to buy him out from the RFU and it's not in a role in competition with England i.e. the Lions

[@waynerockman1242]

Felix is in Cape Town actually

[@petervanzyl518]

The AB'S. would do a LOT worse than Employ Felix!

[@oj4249]

He’s gonna be the new Boks Physio seeing as Rene Naylor is done.

[@henryburton6529]

Ireland attack coach

[@OskarBosco-o2w]

God knows Ireland needs one

[@TheRPMD]

Leo Cullen just signed a 2 year contract extension

[@frankquinn6872]

What about Jones going in as an assistant coach with Ireland straight away rather than going with the Lions? (Ireland must be a coach down with Farrell away until next August).

[@kerrylass2]

He can't do that as his contract does not allow him to hook up with a tier 1 team until April '25.

[@frankquinn6872]

@ Didn’t know that - cheers!

[@iainbeattie2970]

Lions Tour then Scotland attack coach before Scotland job😂🤷‍♂️

[@corcaigh]

Munster please....

[@jamesangus8504]

Where is Mike Catt going?

[@RalphParsons-o9d]

Wales???

[@kerrylass2]

You men honestly! If yer partner and young family moved and lived in Dublin in a house bought after you left SA while you commuted to England for work then trust me Felix is not going anywhere except Ireland and most likely Dublin. Its not all about you and yer job boys...😁

[@mazibukomail]

Will be disrespectful to current defence coach for Jones to come back to springboks.

[@davidanderson5517]

Munster and the crap relationship between IRFU is so toxic makes it difficult.

[@vincentthethingafrikaner6334]

Come home 🏡 South Africa 🇿🇦

[@jksinorbit]

Come back to South Africa buddy...we will make a gap for you !

[@ColinAnderson-hy2oj]

USA

[@robertwood6297]

no argument here...

[@martyodoherty4236]

Lions then Ireland - a ligean dul Felix. Get back home.

[@PaulKavanagh-i6k]

I think it’s Munster

[@stefanschouteden5196]

Definitely, back to South Africa, as he might have been utterly disgusted with English food and weather...

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Stefan he left SA for a reason

[@Zveebo]

He left South Africa specifically to move back to Ireland. He’s not coming back to you guys 😂