South Africa have appointed Felix Jones as an assistant coach as Rassie Erasmus puts the final touches to his backroom team ahead of the next World Cup cycle.
Erasmus recruited Jones as a defence consultant in 2019 and the former Munster and Ireland full-back went on to help the Springboks to back-to-back World Cups in Japan and France.
The Dubliner became an assistant coach with England after the 2023 World Cup, but an unhappy tenure ended with his resignation last August.
A report stated that he found England to be an "unstable working environment" and he was held to a notice period that elapsed in December.
Despite his determination to leave, England claimed he was providing "remote analysis" during the autumn, although it subsequently transpired that he had had no contact with the team.
Jones joins compatriot and former team-mate Jerry Flannery in the South Africa set-up, with the latter having been confirmed as the team's defence coach earlier this month.
"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," said Erasmus.
"He was a vital cog in the coaching team from 2019 to 2023, and his experience, professionalism, and excellent work ethic will make him a great addition to the fantastic coaching team we built from the beginning of 2024.
"Felix worked very closely with most of our coaches in the past, and I have no doubt he'll work equally closely with Jerry (Flannery) and Tony (Brown), who joined us last season.
"After spending some time in England, his experience of working in the UK and studying the opposition teams in the Six Nations and other international tournaments will add immense value in assisting us to adapt and improve as we cast an eye on a tough international season ahead.
"As a team we are well aware that we need to keep improving and growing if we want to remain one of the best teams in the world and to give ourselves the best possible chance to defend our World Cup title in Australia in 2027, and Felix, like all the other coaching and support staff, will play a key role in guiding us to do so."
