El-Abd steps up to replace Jones
OYONNAX head coach Joe El-Abd has been appointed England‘s defence coach, replacing Irishman Felix Jones.
Former Bristol flanker El-Abd, 44, will start work ahead of the autumn campaign, which begins against New Zealand on November 2.
He will also continue as Oyonnax boss until the end of the season.
“I am excited by the direction in which this England team is headed and where they want to go under Steve Borthwick’s leadership,” said El-Abd. “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.”
Jones handed in his resignation in August, only seven months after joining the England set-up from World Cup-winning South Africa.
Jones has a 12-month notice period as part of his contract and is expected to remain part of the England coaching set-up, working remotely to provide tactical analysis.
El-Abd shared a flat with Borthwick during their days at Bath University in the early 2000s.
He went on to play for Bristol and then opted for France, first at Toulon and then Oyonnax, where he moved into coaching in charge of the forwards and defence helping them to the ProD2 title in 2013.
He filled the same role at Castres for four years – during which they won the 2018 Top 14 title – before returning to Oyonnax as director of rugby in 2019. He led them to promotion back to the Top 14 in 2023, but were relegated last season, winning seven of 26 games.
“Joe’s knowledge, passion for the game, and proven experience in developing high-performing teams, will be key to the squad’s ongoing development,” said Borthwick.
“Joe embodies the qualities we value in the England rugby team and I am sure he will add to our environment and quickly deliver continued improvements to our game.”
El-Abd was chosen from from a three-man shortlist which included Stade Francais defence coach Paul Gustard and Norman Laker, the Stormers defence coach.
