England have announced the appointment of Joe El-Abd as their defence coach but he will only begin the job exclusively following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
The former Bristol flanker is set to combine his current role as director of rugby at Oyonnax with his England work this season before solely focussing on Test rugby.
News of his arrival comes after current defence coach Felix Jones handed in his resignation. However, he appears to be working his notice until the end of the year.
Borthwick ties
England head coach Steve Borthwick knows El-Abd well as the pair were flat-mates while at Bath University and the former is happy to have added him to his team.
“I’m delighted to bring in someone with Joe’s expertise to our coaching programme,” said Borthwick.
“His knowledge, passion for the game, and proven experience in developing high-performing teams, will be key to the squad’s ongoing development.
“Joe embodies the qualities we value in the England Rugby team and am I sure he will add to our environment and quickly deliver continued improvements to our game.”
El-Abd turned out for Bath, Bristol and Toulon during his playing career before moving to Oyonnax in 2012, initially as a player coach, before transitioning into full-time coaching two years later, with responsibility for the forwards and defence.
During his time at Oyonnax the side were crowned Pro D2 champions in the 2012/13 season, qualifying for the Champions Cup for the first time in the club’s history in 2014/15.
A four-year spell as forwards and defence coach at Castres followed, where he helped the club secure a Top 14 title in 2018. He then returned to Oyonnax as director of rugby for the 2019/20 season – where he was again responsible for defence – leading them back into the Top 14 in 2023 before the team was relegated to the Pro D2 last season.
“I feel incredibly honoured to join the England coaching team, and I can’t wait to get started,” said El-Abd.
“I am excited by the direction in which this England team is headed and where they want to go under Steve’s leadership. His enthusiasm is infectious, and his vision for this team is clear.
“Defence is a huge part of the game and it’s something I’m extremely passionate about. I am excited by the opportunity to keep developing a defence that will help drive England’s success.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Oyonnax rugby, especially Dougal Bendjaballah for understanding my deep desire to coach the England national team.”
The 44-year-old will join the coaching set-up ahead of the Autumn Nations Series and for the 2025 Six Nations, combining this with his duties at Oyonnax.
England face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday, November 2 before taking on Australia, South Africa and Japan in their other games.
