Munster coach turns down Boks offer

Genia ready to don Rebels No.9 jumper

Munster skills coach Felix Jones has rejected an offer from South African director of rugby Rassie Munster to join the Springboks’ backroom staff. Having already secured the services of former Munster coach in fitness guru Aled Walters, Erasmus has, according to the Irish Independent, reportedly been unsuccessful in recruiting another former colleague in Jones.

Erasmus’ hopes of keeping the same coaching group together that saw Munster finish top of the PRO12 table in 2016/2017 have been dashed by Jones, who comes highly-rated.

Jones is seen as a central part of Irish Rugby’s plans going forward having been recommended for the Munster head coaching position by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt. Since 2016 when Allister Coetzee took the reins as Springbok coach, the national side has used Mzwandile Stick and then Franco Smith as their backline and skills coaches.

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He may be one of the most decorated players in Australian rugby but Melbourne Rebels new recruit Will Genia has no expectation of waltzing straight into the starting line-up.

Despite boasting 111 Super Rugby appearances and 88 Test caps, Genia has arrived at the Rebels for his first day of training on Thursday prepared to work hard and earn his selection for the opening round. Genia kicked-off his pre-season campaign in warm and muggy conditions on Gosch’s Paddock after a well-deserved six-week hiatus following the conclusion of the Spring Tour.

“I’ve got a bit of work to do, I had a good six weeks off,” Genia said after his first session in Rebels colours.

“I did a little bit of training but nothing compares to getting out there and stuck in with the boys. I’ve got six weeks to get myself ready for that first game.

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