Steve Borthwick is set to name Joe El-Abd as England’s new defence coach following Felix Jones’s unexpected resignation amidst a summer of significant changes. El-Abd, currently serving as the head coach at Oyonnax, has been offered the role by Borthwick, and it is understood that the Rugby Football Union is close to finalizing the terms of his appointment. The 44-year-old is expected to be in place for England’s November Tests, provided an early release from his current Pro D2 side can be secured.
Paul Gustard, who previously held the position during the first two and a half years of Eddie Jones’s tenure, was also considered, as was South African Norman Laker, but El-Abd has emerged as the top candidate. The former Bristol flanker has a long-standing relationship with Borthwick, having shared a flat while studying at the University of Bath. This connection is seen as crucial following two sudden resignations this summer.
Jones’s decision to leave the RFU came as a surprise, just eight months into his role and on the eve of the new season. Borthwick had already lost his head of strength and conditioning, Aled Walters, to Ireland, and Jones’s resignation was accompanied by claims of an “unstable working environment.”
El-Abd has built a strong reputation, having ended his playing career at Oyonnax in 2014 before transitioning to coaching. He initially served as forwards coach and later moved to Castres before returning to Oyonnax as head coach in 2019. His work has garnered praise from within the RFU, and he briefly took on the role of defence coach for an England XV against the Barbarians in 2019 when Eddie Jones handed over the reins to Jim Mallinder.
While the leap from France’s second division to the international stage is substantial, El-Abd is reportedly committed to maintaining the ultra-aggressive blitz defence system introduced by Jones. However, he is not yet considered to be on the same level as the Irishman, who played a key role in South Africa’s successful World Cup defense last year. Borthwick will hope that El-Abd’s close ties to the team will help restore stability.
The RFU’s ability to secure El-Abd’s release in time for the autumn internationals will be crucial, as England prepares to host New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan at the Allianz Stadium in November. Oyonnax has indicated that they expect El-Abd to complete the season, but the RFU has a history of paying compensation for the early release of coaches, as seen in previous cases involving Borthwick.
Jones’s future remains uncertain, though it would not be surprising if he joined Andy Farrell’s coaching staff for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia next year. Meanwhile, Borthwick has recently brought in Dan Tobin from Gloucester as the new strength and conditioning coach, replacing Tom Tombleson, who left the national setup after a decade this summer.
