El-Abd close to deal to become England defence coach

Joe El-Abd is adjacent to finalising a woody to go nan caller England defence coach.

The erstwhile flanker, presently caput coach of French broadside Oyonnax, is expected to beryllium successful spot for nan upcoming November internationals.

El-Abd, 44, has been nan favourite for nan domiciled pursuing nan daze resignation of Felix Jones past month.

England's adjacent Test is against New Zealand astatine Twickenham's Allianz Stadium connected 2 November.

El-Abd played complete 100 times for Bristol successful nan 2000s earlier stints astatine Toulon and Oyannax.

He has since forged an awesome coaching profession successful France, first pinch Oyonnax, past pinch Castres, earlier returning to Oyonnax arsenic caput coach.

El-Abd is simply a adjacent confidante of nan England leader Steve Borthwick, pinch nan brace being erstwhile flat-mates astatine Bath University.

Ex-England adjunct coach Paul Gustard and Stormers coach Norman Laker were besides known to beryllium successful contention for nan role.

While El-Abd is expected to beryllium successful spot for England's training campy astatine nan extremity of October, arsenic it stands Jones will besides stay portion of nan coaching team, for nan short word astatine least.

Jones is presently serving his 12-month announcement play pursuing his resignation and while he is apt to beryllium successful precocious request aft winning back-to-back World Cups pinch South Africa, he has yet to beryllium bought retired of his statement by a early employer.

Meanwhile Kevin Sinfield is connected nan verge of agreeing a caller statement pinch nan Rugby Football Union, which would spot him stay connected nan coaching unit connected a reduced-hours basis.