England Rugby have appointed Jo El-Abd as defence coach, joining Steve Borthwick’s coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming Nations series in the autumn.
During his time at Oyonnax, the team was crowned Pro D2 champions in the 2012/13 season and qualified for the Champions Cup for the first time in the club’s history in the 2014/15 season.
He then spent four years as forward and defensive coach at Castres Olympique, helping the club win the Top 14 title in 2018. He then returned to Oyonnax for the 2019/20 season as Director of Rugby. He was again in charge of the defense, and in 2023 he guided the team back into the Top 14 as Pro D2 champions.
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World Cup winner Will Greenwood has praised England’s progress on their summer tour of New Zealand despite losing both Test matches against the All Blacks.
“We are excited to add someone of Joe’s expertise to our coaching program,” said Bosswick.
“His knowledge, passion for the game and proven experience developing high-performing teams will be key factors in the team’s continued development.
“Joe embodies the qualities we value in an England rugby team and I am confident he will enhance our environment and bring rapid and sustained improvement to our game.”
El-Abd added: “I am honoured to be joining the England coaching team and am looking forward to getting started.”
“I’m excited about the direction this England team is heading and where they want to go under Steve’s leadership. His enthusiasm is infectious and his vision for this team is clear.
“Defending is a very important part of the game and something I am very passionate about. I am excited about the opportunity to continue developing my defence to help lead England to success.
“I would like to thank everyone at Oyonnax Rugby, especially Dougal Benzabalah, for understanding my strong desire to coach the England national team.”
The 44-year-old will continue in his role as Director of Rugby at Oyonnax, joining Steve Borthwick’s coaching team to oversee the upcoming Autumn Nations Series and the 2025 Guinness Six Nations Championship.
He will remain in charge at the Pro D2 club until the end of the 2024/25 season, after which he will work solely in England rugby.
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