Ex-Bristol flanker El-Abd to coach England defence

Former Bristol flanker Joe el-Abd has been hired arsenic England's defence coach, replacing Irishman Felix Jones.

El-Abd, 44, volition travel into the England set-up successful clip for their autumn campaign, which begins against New Zealand connected 2 November, but volition initially harvester his duties with those arsenic caput manager of existent nine Oyonnax.

Only erstwhile the second-tier French broadside decorativeness their 2024-25 run volition El-Abd enactment full-time with England.

"I americium excited by the absorption successful which this England squad is headed and wherever they privation to spell nether Steve Borthwick's leadership," said El-Abd.

"His enthusiasm is infectious, and his imaginativeness for this squad is clear.

"Defence is simply a immense portion of the crippled and it's thing I'm highly passionate about."

Jones handed successful his resignation successful August, lone 7 months aft joining the England set-up from Rugby World Cup-winning South Africa.

The nonaccomplishment of the highly-rated Jones came "out of the blue" and was "deeply disappointing", according to Rugby Football Union main enforcement Bill Sweeney.

Jones has a 12-month announcement play arsenic portion of his declaration and is expected to proceed arsenic portion of the England coaching set-up, moving remotely to supply tactical analysis.

More to follow.