rugby stars are 'not speaking' to exiled coach Felix Jones ahead of their Autumn Nations Series clash with South Africa. The 37-year-old is working a lengthy 12-month notice after deciding to quit his job as defence coach.

Jones sent shockwaves through the camp when he revealed that he was to exit his job after only 11 months. He joined Steve Borthwick's staff after helping South Africa to consecutive Rugby World Cup titles.

His knowledge of the Springboks might have been helpful as England seek to arrest a run of two defeats this autumn. Jones insists he has been doing analysis work with the date of his departure unclear.

However, attack coach Richard Wigglesworth revealed: "I've not spoken to him. I don't know [if he has been delivering analysis]. He's behind the scenes, it's not for me [to say]. For the analysis guys and other people...he was obviously defence and that side of it, so...

"I'm sure [his knowledge of South Africa] has been tapped into but their coaches have [also] changed since he was there. They're playing a slightly different style."

Centre Henry Slade confirmed that the players have had no contact with Jones either. Joe El-Abd was rushed in as defence coach despite also coaching French outfit Oyonnax.

Slade said: "We don't have any contact with Felix. I'm not sure if the coaches do or not. We've been working with Joe and our defensive leaders, trying to set the defence and the team up to defend as well as possible.

"Obviously things have not quite gone as well and when not everyone is on the same page - some people flying, some people not - it looks a bit ragged.

"The thing with the blitz is you have to fully commit, go all in, and be together. Then it becomes strong."

Reports suggested that Jones was unhappy with the working environment upon joining the Red Rose. The Scot was subsequently told not to attend training and has had seemingly little involvement in the autumn camp so far.

That is despite Jones being regarded as one of the game's brightest young coaches. His methods might have been useful in preparing a better strategy for matches against New Zealand and Australia.

England fell to defeats in both and now face matches against South Africa and Japan hoping to steer themselves back on track.