By BBC (Sports) | Created at 2024-09-26 12:23:56 | Updated at 2024-09-30 09:27:16
3 days ago
Former Bristol flanker Joe el-Abd has been hired as England's defence coach, replacing Irishman Felix Jones.
El-Abd, 44, will come into the England set-up in time for their autumn campaign, which begins against New Zealand on 2 November, but will initially combine his duties with those as head coach of current club Oyonnax.
Only once the second-tier French side finish their 2024-25 campaign will El-Abd work full-time with England.
"I am excited by the direction in which this England team is headed and where they want to go under Steve Borthwick's leadership," said El-Abd.
"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."
Jones handed in his resignation in August, only seven months after joining the England set-up from Rugby World Cup-winning South Africa.
The loss of the highly-rated Jones came "out of the blue" and was "deeply disappointing", according to Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney.
Jones has a 12-month notice period as part of his contract and is expected to continue as part of the England coaching set-up, working remotely to provide tactical analysis.
More to follow.
