The Springboks are doubling down on their preparations for a historic third consecutive Rugby World Cup victory, and Rassie Erasmus has wasted no time in strengthening his backroom staff. The biggest headline? The return of Felix Jones—a two-time Rugby World Cup-winning assistant coach—who re-joins the Bok setup after a brief stint with England.
JONES RETURNS TO THE BOK CAMP
Jones, a vital part of South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 World Cup-winning campaigns, left after last year’s triumph to be closer to his family in the UK. But now, he’s back in green and gold, adding a fresh layer of insight after months inside the English camp. His first assignment? Fine-tuning the Boks’ strategies ahead of a blockbuster international season.
“Felix was a vital cog in our machine from 2019 to 2023, and his experience and work ethic make him an invaluable addition,” said Erasmus. “His time in England, analyzing Six Nations opponents, will be a massive boost for us as we refine our game plan for the years ahead.”
NEW FACES JOIN THE SPRINGBOK MACHINE
While Jones headlines the latest additions, Lance Lemmetjies (physiotherapist) and Robyn Moore (dietician) are also set to bring their expertise into the fold.
• Lemmetjies returns after previously working with the Boks during the British & Irish Lions Series in 2021 and the SA ‘A’ team in 2022.
• Moore, a highly qualified dietitian with a Master’s degree from the University of Pretoria, has already been working closely with the squad.
“Behind-the-scenes staff are as critical to success as the players and coaches,” said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer. “Lance and Robyn will ensure our athletes perform at their peak, while Felix strengthens an already world-class coaching team.”
BOKS’ ROAD TO 2027: WHAT’S NEXT?
The Springbok management team will waste no time getting to work. Their first major planning session is set for March 7, followed by a 56-player alignment camp in Cape Town on March 10. With two additional virtual camps scheduled later in the month for European and Japanese-based players, it’s clear that the Boks are leaving no stone unturned.
SPRINGBOK MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR 2025
🟢 Head Coach: Rassie Erasmus
🟢 Assistant Coaches: Tony Brown, Deon Davids, Jerry Flannery, Daan Human, Felix Jones, Mzwandile Stick
🟢 Mobi-Unit Coach: Duane Vermeulen
🟢 Athletic Performance: Andy Edwards
🟢 Laws & Discipline Advisor: Jaco Peyper
🟢 Analysis & Science: Paddy Sullivan (Performance Analyst), Lindsay Weyer (Technical Analyst), Sebastian Prim (Sport Scientist)
🟢 Medical & Welfare: Dr Jerome Lehlogonolo Mampane (Team Doctor), Dr Anuerin Robyn (Physiotherapist), Lance Lemmetjies (Physiotherapist), Robyn Moore (Dietician)
🟢 Logistics & Operations: JJ Fredericks (Logistics Manager), Zintsika Tashe (Operations Manager), Zeena Isaacs van Tonder (Media Manager)
As the reigning back-to-back world champions, the Boks are gearing up for another dominant World Cup cycle, and these strategic appointments will ensure South Africa remains a force to be reckoned with.
🚨 What do you think of the Bok management team? Can Rassie pull off a third consecutive World Cup win? Let us know in the comments!
