England name Joe el-Abd as new defence coach
England head coach Steve Borthwick
©PA
England have announced the appointment of former Bristol flanker Joe el-Abd as the new defence coach.
After a playing career that included representing Bath Rugby, Bristol, and Toulon, El-Abd joined Pro D2 team Oyonnax in 2012, initially as a player-coach. Two years later, he shifted to full-time coaching, overseeing the forwards and defence.
While at Oyonnax, the team won the Pro D2 championship in the 2012/13 season and, for the first time in the club's history, qualified for the Champions Cup in 2014/15.
He also worked as forwards coach of Castres between 2015 and 2019 during which the club went on to win the Top 14 title in 2018. The 44-year-old returned to Oyonnax as Director of Rugby for the 2019/20 season, once again overseeing the team's defence. With him at the helm, Oyonnax went on to win the Pro D2 title in 2023, earning their spot back in the Top 14.
"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."
England head coach Steve Borthwick expressed delight in hiring the services of El-Abd.
"I'm delighted to bring in someone with Joe's expertise to our coaching program," 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 I am sure he will add to our environment and quickly deliver continued improvements to our game."
