Felix Jones' Journey from Music to Springboks Success

Felix Jones, assistant coach for the Springboks, has cemented his legacy in rugby with two World Cup victories, a journey that began after his playing career was cut short by injury. This success follows an earlier, unexpected detour into music, an anecdote highlighted by Planet Rugby in a recent interview with his former bandmate.

Jones, who transitioned into coaching after retiring from playing due to a neck injury in 2015, now prepares for critical matches, including the ongoing series against the All Blacks. His current role stands in stark contrast to his past as a bodhrán player in the Irish band Hermitage Green.

Early Rugby and Musical Interlude

Jones’s rugby career saw him move from Leinster to Munster around 2010. During this period, he joined Hermitage Green, a band that included former Munster and Ireland player Barry Murphy. Murphy, the band’s bassist and vocalist, shared with Planet Rugby that Jones spent about a year balancing his musical pursuits with his demanding rugby commitments.

Murphy recalled Jones's dedication, stating that Jones “blew my mind every day with how much he applied himself and how hard he worked.” This commitment eventually led Jones to prioritize rugby, although the band still performs, even playing at a recent Ireland jersey launch.

Transition to Coaching Prowess

After his playing career ended prematurely at 28, Jones quickly moved into coaching. Rassie Erasmus invited him back to Munster the following season, marking the beginning of a successful coaching partnership. This alliance led to Jones's key role in the Springboks' back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories and their British and Irish Lions series win.

Jones’s dedication to detail, even down to his “microscopic dissertation” on alleged All Blacks illegalities, demonstrates his intensity in his current role. This focus has contributed to the Springboks' continued success on the international stage, including the current “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series, which is now tied at one-all.

Ongoing Rivalries and Future Encounters

The Springboks are currently engaged in a four-match series against the All Blacks, a significant part of the international rugby news. The teams head to Soweto for the next match, with both sides vying for dominance.

Despite their different paths, Jones and Murphy remain connected. They recently crossed paths when Murphy performed at Aviva Stadium while Jones was in the coaching box for the Springboks’ 24-13 win against Ireland. Their next reunion is scheduled for November 21, when the Springboks will once again visit Ireland.