FELIX JONES’ chances of becoming the next Munster head coach have been boosted by an apparent loophole in his England contract.
Jones is serving a 12-month notice period after resigning from his role as England defence coach back in August.
Felix Jones is one of a number of names linked with the post[/caption]
This would make him unavailable to take another job until August 2025, with a hefty compensation package being required to free him from that clause.
This would theoretically rule him out of taking over as Munster head coach following Graham Rowntree’s exit at the end of October.
However, according to the Irish Examiner, a loophole in his contract could allow him to take the post.
The report suggests that Jones would be unable to take charge of a Tier 1 nation, but does NOT preclude him from joining a club side.
The Irish Sun has contracted the English RFU for comment.
As the province continues its search for a new full-time head coach, the team remains under the stewardship of interim head coach Ian Costello.
Munster’s Head of Rugby Operations has been in situ since Rowntree’s exit, but has ruled himself out of taking the job full-time.
A host of names have been linked with the post, including Ronan O’Gara, Paul O’Connell, Mike Prendergast, Denis Leamy, and Felix Jones.
The La Rochelle head coach and former Munster and Ireland out-half categorically ruled himself out of the running.
And writing in his Irish Examiner column on November 1, O’Gara nominated ex-teammates Prendergast and Leamy for the job.
Both of ROG’s former teammates were part of Rowntree’s coaching team, making them ideal replacements.
The 47-year-old wrote: “These are turbulent times, but the solution for their next head coach is already in the building with a combo of Mike Prendergast and Denis Leamy.
“Prendy has been on the road for 11 years, cultivating his rugby knowledge around France to get it to a level commensurate with the duties and role of a head coach.
“He knows rugby inside out, he knows Munster inside out, that’s why it works.
“Some will be of the misconception that he would not be strong enough or is not blockbuster enough to be a numero uno. Believe me he is more than strong enough to be the boss.
“Where I would potentially see a third person is as a sounding board with Leamy and himself. But Prendy as the director of rugby.
“Munster will be better if Leamy and Prendergast are given more control. Felix Jones has been mentioned but is less experienced than Prendergast.”
Munster return to action in the United Rugby Championship with the visit of the Lions to Thomond Park on November 30.
