Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick is excited that Felix Jones has rejoined the world champions’ backroom staff ahead of the upcoming international season.
Jones, who represented Munster and Ireland as a full-back during his playing days, is back in the Springboks coaching set-up after just a few months with England.
He played a crucial role during the Boks’ Rugby World Cup victories in Japan in 2019 and France in 2023, and will look to help them secure an unprecedented third successive triumph at the global showpiece in Australia in 2027.
After working with Jones during the aforementioned World Cup campaigns as well as the Boks’ 2-1 series victory of the British & Irish Lions in South Africa in 2021, Stick has a great deal of respect for the 37-year-old’s coaching ability.
‘We know what kind of person he is’
“I’ve worked with Felix for five years, and we know what kind of person he is,” he said. “He works hard, he’s dedicated, and he brings a lot to the way we want to play.
“He’s a crucial member of the coaching staff and provides us with valuable insight into the Northern Hemisphere teams.”
Jones’ return will improve the depth in the world champions’ coaching ranks and Stick is looking forward to working as a part of a collective within the group.
“The key for us is how we complement each other,” he added. “Felix helps in my department, and I will always tap into his knowledge, as I do with Tony [Brown].
“One thing I love about our coaching environment is that there are no egos. The main goal is the team and ensuring they perform.”
Stick hails from the coastal city Gqeberha where South Africa will take on Italy in a Test on July 12.
Looking forward to Boks’ Test against Italy
It will be the first time the Springboks will play in the city since 2021 – when they clinched a 29-10 Rugby Championship win over Argentina – and Stick is delighted that the Boks will be back in action in his hometown.
What makes the visit extra special is that the Boks will play in front of their passionate supporters as their previous visit to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium saw the match taking place in an empty stadium during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am very happy to go back and play in front of the fans in Gqeberha,” said Stick. “The last time we played there during Covid, we couldn’t have the people of Gqeberha supporting us.
“There is such a rich rugby history in the Eastern Cape, and we want to give players from this region the chance to represent the Springboks in front of their people.”
