Felix Jones returns as Erasmus confirms Springbok management team

THE SPRINGBOKS have officially welcomed back double Rugby World Cup-winning assistant coach Felix Jones to their management team, as head coach Rassie Erasmus unveiled the full coaching and support staff line-up for the next four-year cycle leading up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Jones will resume his role on March 1 after a short stint with England.

The announcement, made on Thursday, also confirmed the appointments of Lance Lemmetjies as a physiotherapist and Robyn Moore as the team’s dietitian.

Lemmetjies, currently with the Vodacom Bulls, will join the Springbok medical team in June, while Moore, who has been involved with the team in recent seasons, will officially assume her role on April 1.

Jones’ Return Strengthens Boks’ Coaching Setup

Jones played an integral part in the Springboks’ success in 2019 and 2023, and his return is seen as a major boost for Erasmus’ coaching setup. After the 2023 World Cup, he moved to England to be closer to his family but now rejoins South Africa’s national team with fresh international experience.

“We are delighted to welcome Felix back into the Springbok team, and we are excited to see him pick up where he left off in 2023,” Erasmus said. “He was a vital part of our coaching team during our World Cup triumphs, and his professionalism, experience, and work ethic will add immense value as we continue our journey towards 2027.”

Erasmus also highlighted the advantage of Jones’ exposure to the Six Nations and other international competitions, which will assist the Springboks in refining their game plan as they prepare for another challenging season.

Strengthening the Medical and Performance Team

Lemmetjies’ appointment further bolsters the Springboks’ medical staff.

Having previously worked with the team during the British & Irish Lions series in 2021 and the South Africa ‘A’ tour in 2022, he is no stranger to the squad. Erasmus expressed his confidence in Lemmetjies, saying, “Lance has already been part of our setup before, and we are thrilled to have him officially on board.”

Moore, an experienced dietician with a master's degree from the University of Pretoria and a BSc in dietetics from Stellenbosch University, will oversee the team’s nutritional needs. “Robyn has worked closely with the players for several seasons, and we know she will ensure our team remains in peak condition,” Erasmus added.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer echoed Erasmus’ sentiments, emphasising the importance of a strong backroom staff in sustaining the team’s recent success.

“We all know the value that Felix brought to the Springboks during his tenure, and we are confident that his return will further enhance our coaching group,” Oberholzer said. “The management team plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal player welfare and performance, and we believe that adding Lance and Robyn will be highly beneficial.”

With their management team now fully in place, the Springboks are shifting their focus to an intense year of preparation. Erasmus and his coaching staff will hold their first in-person planning session on March 7, followed by an alignment camp in Cape Town with 56 players starting on 10 March. Additionally, virtual alignment camps will be held on March 27 for overseas-based and injured domestic players.

Springbok Management Team

Rassie Erasmus (Head Coach), Charles Wessels (General Manager), Tony Brown, Deon Davids, Jerry Flannery, Daan Human, Felix Jones, Mzwandile Stick (Assistant Coaches), Duane Vermeulen (Mobi-Unit Coach), Andy Edwards (Athletic Performance), Jaco Peyper (Laws and Discipline Advisor), Paddy Sullivan, Lindsay Weyer (Performance Analysts), Sebastian Prim (Sport Scientist), Dr.R Jerome Lehlogonolo Mampane (Team Doctor),Dr.r Anuerin Robyn (Physiotherapist), Lance Lemmetjies (Physiotherapist) (Medical Team), JJ Fredericks (Logistics Manager), Zintsika Tashe (Operations Manager) (Logistics and Operations), Zeena Isaacs van Tonder (Media Manager), Robyn Moore (Dietitian)