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England assistant coach Joe El-Abd will leave the set-up after next year’s Rugby World Cup to take up a role in France’s Top 14.
El-Abd, a former housemate and close friend of Steve Borthwick, joined the staff in 2024 as a defence coach, before taking up a post overseeing England’s forwards last year.
He will depart, though, after the 2027 tournament and is believed to be bound for Clermont Auvergne as the successor to Christophe Urios.
“Joe is an outstanding coach and continues to make a significant contribution to both the team and the environment,” Borthwick said. “His knowledge of the game and the quality of his coaching have made him a hugely valuable member of our coaching team.
“I know he will continue to give everything to the team and will be working as hard as ever to help us achieve success over the next 12 months. Thereafter, I am sure he will go on to great success back in France.”
El-Abd was previously head coach of Oyonnax in the ProD2 having concluded his playing days and embarked on his coaching career in France. His family are believed to have remained in the country after taking up the England role.
Borthwick and the rest of his staff are expected to have their contracts extended through to the summer of 2028, though their longer-term futures will ultimately be judged on performance up to and including next year’s World Cup in Australia.
Richard Wigglesworth succeeded El-Abd as defence coach, while Lee Blackett and Tom Harrison continue to oversee the attack and scrum respectively. Kevin Sinfield and Byron McGuigan also remain as assistant coaches.
