Steve Borthwick has defended his England coaching regime by insisting the sudden departure of Felix Jones and Aled Walters is not a reflection of the environment he has created.
Jones, who oversaw the defence, handed in his notice in August despite not having an alternative job lined up, while the previous head of strength and conditioning Walters has taken up a similar role with Ireland.
Both coaches were seen as important figures in England’s quest to win the 2027 World Cup and their exit has forced Borthwick to scramble to find replacements ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.
Jones is claimed to have made his decision because of an “unstable working environment” and the Irishman is currently working remotely as he negotiates a release from the 12-month notice period in his contract.
Borthwick admits their exits are “disappointing and surprising” but points to the ongoing presence of Richard Wigglesworth, Tom Harrison, Kevin Sinfield and Andrew Strawbridge as evidence of a settled back room staff.
“The importance of reflecting on our practices and environments on a daily basis is something I spoke to the players about just last week,” said Borthwick, speaking publicly for the first time since Jones and Walters dropped their bombshell decisions.
“I respected that the two guys decided they wanted to go elsewhere for individual reasons and personal circumstances.
“But there’s also a lot of people that want to be here. The core coaching group is here and the CVs I was sent – high quality CVs – means there are a lot of people who want to coach this England team.
“For me, we have quite a stable coaching team and they are guys I’ve worked with for a period of time now.”
Big Tests ahead 👊
Steve Borthwick has named his 36-man training squad in preparation for the upcoming @autumnnations 🌹#WearTheRose | @O2
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 16, 2024
Jones is providing analysis of England’s opponents at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, next month – New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan – having handed over defensive duties to Joe El-Abd.
The 36-year-old Irishman only started working for Borthwick in December after joining from Rassie Erasmus’ South Africa set-up, where he was part of the 2019 and 2023 World Cup wins.
“Having had the Aled news, it was a few days later that Felix told me that he didn’t want to work with the team and he wanted to move in a different direction,” Borthwick said.
“Felix and Aled are close but it was still disappointing and surprising. I hadn’t anticipated it.
“Felix is a top-quality coach who has added a lot to this team. As ever, it’s professional sport – things change and things move on.
“I have got a lot of respect for Aled and a lot of respect for Felix. But my job is to focus on the coaches I work with and coach the players in the squad.”
Borthwick is pursuing Phil Morrow as a replacement for Walters although, having recently signed a bumper four-year contract with Saracens, the Rugby Football Union is baulking at the cost of securing his release.
Saracens’ Gallagher Premiership rivals have blocked a club and country job share arrangement because of the potential for a conflict of interest and in the mean time Dan Tobin will take charge of the players’ conditioning.
“We are still intent on finding a way to make this work. I’m hopeful that at some point in the future he will be working with this team,” Borthwick said.
Henry Slade is on course to participate in the autumn opener against the All Blacks on November 2 after being included in England’s 36-man squad for the series.
Slade’ comeback from shoulder surgery is imminent and he could feature in the midfield but Alex Mitchell is missing from the group because of a neck injury.
