England have named Joe El-Abd as their new defence coach in a role the former flanker will combine with his duties as director of rugby at French side Oyonnax until the end of the season.
El-Abd will join Steve Borthwick’s coaching team for the Autumn Nations Series and Six Nations before leaving the Pro D2 club at the end of 2024-25.
“I can’t wait to get started,” said El-Abd, adding that he felt “incredibly honoured” to join England.
“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.”
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Joe El-Abd joins England
The 44-year-old thanked Oyonnax president Dougal Bendjaballah for understanding his “deep desire” to coach England, who host New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan at Twickenham in November.
Former Bath, Bristol and Toulon player El-Abd joined Oyonnax in 2012 as a player-coach, taking responsibility for the forwards and defence once his playing career ended.
Oyonnax lifted the Pro D2 title in the 2012-13 season and reached the Champions Cup for the first time in the club’s history in 2014-15.
A four-year spell at Castres Olympique followed, including a Top 14 title in 2018 before El-Abd returned to Oyonnax as director of rugby for the 2019-20 season. The club returned to the Top 14 as Pro D2 champions in 2023.
Borthwick: El-Abd ‘key’
“His knowledge, passion for the game and proven experience in developing high-performing teams will be key to the squad’s development,” said Borthwick.
“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’s younger brother, Adam, played for Egypt during a football career spanning more than 500 appearances in the EFL and non-league, including 300 for Brighton & Hove Albion as a defender.
His youngest brother, Sami, overcame a serious knee injury to make 67 appearances as a centre-back in the highest tiers of non-league football.
