- El-Abd is a close friend of Borthwick, who praised the coach’s appointment
- Jones shocked the RFU earlier this year when he announced he would be leaving
- Oyonnax boss El-Abd will combine duties with his work in France for forseeable
England have confirmed Joe El-Abd as their new defence guru, but he will have to combine his new role with his current job in charge of French side Oyonnax for the rest of the season before committing to the RFU full time.
El-Abd, a close friend and former university housemate of national head coach Steve Borthwick, will be in place for England’s four November Tests.
He is the long-term replacement for Felix Jones, who shocked the RFU earlier this summer when he announced he was quitting the England set-up.
Jones, a double World Cup winner with South Africa, is yet to officially depart as he is continuing to work his 12-month notice period.
It is understood that while he is still working as an assistant coach in the background, Jones is doing so remotely and focusing on tactical analysis and development.
England have confirmed Joe El-Abd as their new defence duru ahead of their autumn games
Steve Borthwick has appointed his good friend and former university housemate to join his staff
Jones won’t be in camp for England’s autumn campaign with El-Abd taking over. El-Abd is set to continue with the blitz defence system Jones and Borthwick introduced.
‘I feel incredibly honoured to join the England coaching team and can’t wait to get started,’ El-Abd said.
‘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.
‘I’d like to thank everyone at Oyonnax, especially Dougal Bendjaballah, for understanding my deep desire to coach the England national team.’
Borthwick and El-Abd are close friends and played together at Bath.
El-Abd, 44, has impressed while coaching in France, winning the TOP14 with Castres before joining Oyonnax.
Bendjaballah, the Oyonnax president, had insisted his team wouldn’t let El-Abd leave but they have now done so after coming to an agreement with the RFU over his release.
Part of that agreement means El-Abd will scontinue with his Oyonnax work for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign alongside being with England in the autumn and for the 2025 Six Nations.
‘I’m delighted to bring in someone with Joe’s expertise,’ 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 and I am sure he will add to our environment and quickly deliver continued improvements to our game.’
Felix Jones shocked the RFU earlier this summer when he annoucned he would be leaving
Borthwick’s side will face New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan in November
England face New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan on four consecutive November weekends this autumn after a summer of upheaval.
Oyonnax said it was a ‘great source of pride’ to see El-Abd join the country where he was born and ‘one of the best nations in the world.’
Borthwick’s next task after El-Abd signed on is to sort a replacement for highly regarded head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters who left the RFU to join Ireland.
