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Who is Joe Al-Abd? England appoint Steve Borthwick’s former flatmate as their new defence coach

3 weeks ago

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Who is Joe Al-Abd? England appoint Steve Borthwick's former flatmate as their new defence coach

England They have got a new defence coach with the appointment of Joe Al-Abd. Steve BorthwickStaff of.

Head Coach Borthwick was stunned By decision of Felix Jones Saying goodbye to your set-up After the New Zealand tour, Rugby Football Union (The RFU) are struggling to find a replacement.

Jones, a two-time World Cup winner for South Africa, was recruited at a rapid pace earlier this year but saw his close friend Aled Walters, England’s head of strength of conditioning, depart the squad. Playing a role with Ireland.

The Irishman’s decision to break away from Borthwick’s coaching group and follow Walters shocked the RFU, but the head coach quickly appointed a replacement.

While Jones continues to work during his 12-month notice period, El-Abd is set to remain in the role ahead of England’s November Tests provided compensation can be agreed with Oyonnax, where he is currently head coach.

The 44-year-old has been in charge of the French club, now in ProD2, since 2019, following distinguished stints as assistant at both the Jura city and Castres, where he helped the club to the Top 14 title.

Steve Borthwick has turned to his old friend to fill the coaching void ,Getty Images,

He knows Borthwick well – they were flatmates while students at the University of Bath and were in England head coach El-Abd’s wedding party.

The brother of former footballer Adam, who played over 300 matches for Brighton, the elder El-Abd made his playing career at Bristol as a tough tackling flanker, eventually becoming club captain in 2008.

their most productive Playing days arrived in FranceHowever, towards the end of his career, he played three seasons at Toulon and two at Oyonnax, and then went into coaching after retirement in 2014.

He has been highly rated by the RFU for some time: in 2019, El-Abd oversaw England’s defence for a non-capped fixture against the Barbarians.

He is believed to have defeated his rivals, including Stade Français coach Paul Gustardwho held the role between 2016 and 2018, to become defence coach.

Al-Abd will be tasked with dealing with the blitz defence system introduced by Jones ahead of the Six Nations Conference, a high-risk, high-reward strategy which is beginning to bear fruit.

His existing relationship with Borthwick will be seen as a plus given his desire for a settled coaching environment after years of change and upheaval under Eddie Jones. Borthwick has turned to his trusted lieutenants so far during his tenure, appointing Richard Wigglesworth, Kevin SinfieldHe added Tom Harrison and Walters to his staff ahead of the World Cup last year, having all worked with him at Leicester.

Kevin Sinfield to remain part of England coaching staff ,PA Wire,

Sinfield is now expected to remain with England on a part-time basis, as he originally was with England. announced his intention to seek new challenges After the New Zealand tour, the rugby league legend, who is hugely popular among the players, is close to agreeing a new contract.

England are expected to head overseas for a training camp ahead of autumn matches against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan. The November 2 clash with the All Blacks will be the men’s first at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.