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Steve Borthwick names Joe El-Abd as his new England defence coach
By Liam Heagney
Steve Borthwick has named Oyonnax director of rugby Joe El-Abd as the new England defence coach for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, which starts with the November 2 clash with New Zealand at Allianz Stadium.
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It was August 24 when it emerged that Felix Jones wanted to quit as Borthwick’s assistant despite only being in the role since the start of 2024 after helping the Springboks to their latest Rugby World Cup title win. While it was intimated at the time that Jones would be forced to work out his notice, England have moved quickly to name a replacement just 33 days after it was first revealed that the Irishman wanted out.
El-Abd, who will initially combine his existing role in France with his new England assistant’s role until the end of the 2024/25 club season, is no stranger to Borthwick’s England set-up as he reportedly spent the opening week of last year’s World Cup observing how they worked, visiting their training base in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage and also attending their opening round win over Argentina in Marseille.
This invitation stemmed from Borthwick’s long friendship with El-Abd which commenced when both were studying at the University of Bath and shared a flat, a relationship that resulted in the England coach being asked to be an usher at his friend’s wedding.
Having spent the main chunk of his playing career at Bristol, El-Abd went on to play for Toulon and Oyonnax before carving out the coaching career that will now see him reunited with Borthwick a couple of decades after they first met at university.
While El-Abd will come straight into the mix with England for the four-game November programme, there was no confirmation as to whether Jones will continue to see out of his notice period working with Borthwick or can now step aside and leave.
An RFU statement read: “England Rugby have appointed Joe El-Abd as the senior men’s team defence coach who joins Steve Borthwick’s coaching set-up for the forthcoming Autumn Nations Series.
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“After a playing career which saw him represent Bath, Bristol, and Toulon, El-Abd moved to Pro D2 outfit 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 Olympique 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 as Pro D2 champions in 2023.
“The 44-year-old joins Steve Borthwick’s coaching set-up for the forthcoming Autumn Nations Series and 2025 Guinness Six Nations championship while continuing his role as director of rugby at Oyonnax. He will combine his responsibilities with the Pro D2 club until the conclusion of the 24/25 season, after which he will transition to working exclusively for England.”
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“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 added: “I feel incredibly honoured to join the England coaching team, and I can’t wait to get started. 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.”
when his name was first floated i really wasn't convinced, but I'm feeling more positive now