Gone.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have released a statement this afternoon on England defence coach Felix Jones.

Jones quit his role as England’s defence coach in August, just over seven months after taking the job in Steve Borthwick’s backroom team, and has been working remotely since then while serving a one-year notice period.

Clubs will now be on alert as the RFU have confirmed that Jones has now left his role entirely with immediate effect, making him a free agent.

“The RFU can confirm that England Rugby men’s assistant coach Felix Jones will step down from his role on Friday 13 December,” an RFU statement said.

Jones has been linked with a return to his former province Munster, who are currently without a head coach.

Under the terms of his contract, Jones cannot sign for another Tier 1 nation

“The terms of his departure prevent Jones from working with any Tier One team until Tuesday 1 April 2025.

“During this period, he is permitted to work with any club or any Tier Two international team and below, should he choose to do so.”