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, will travel into nan England set-up successful clip for their autumn campaign, which originates against New Zealand connected 2 November, but will initially harvester his duties pinch those arsenic caput coach of existent nine Oyonnax.

Only erstwhile nan second-tier French broadside decorativeness their 2024-25 run will El-Abd activity full-time pinch England.

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

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

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

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

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

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

More to follow.