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England set to name El-Abd as defence coach after Jones exit
The Guardian
|September 25, 2024
Steve Borthwick is expected to appoint Joe El-Abd as England's new defence coach following Felix Jones's shock resignation amid a summer of upheaval.
El-Abd is employed as the head coach at Oyonnax but has been offered the job by Borthwick and it is understood the Rugby Football Union is close to agreeing terms for his appointment. It is hoped the 44-yearold will be in position for England's November Tests if his early release from the Pro D2 side can be agreed.
Paul Gustard, who held the position for the first two and half years of Eddie Jones's tenure, was also in the frame while Borthwick expressed an interest in the South African Norman Laker but El-Abd has emerged as the No 1 candidate. The former Bristol flanker is well known to Borthwick - they shared a flat while at Bath University - and that relationship is considered significant after two shock resignations this summer.
This story is from the September 25, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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