Joe El-Abd Joins England's Defence Coaching Team with Borthwick
- Joe El-Abd has been appointed as the defence coach for the England rugby team, working under Steve Borthwick.
- El-Abd has a successful coaching background in France and is excited about the opportunity to coach his country.
- He aims to enhance England's defensive strategies and line speed, contributing to the team's growth and success.
In October 2024, Joe El-Abd, a former flanker and experienced coach, joined the England rugby team as the defence coach under Steve Borthwick. El-Abd, who has built a successful coaching career in France, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to coach his country, emphasizing the importance of family discussions before accepting the role. His appointment follows the departures of key staff members, including Aled Walters, which prompted Borthwick to seek out a trusted friend and former flatmate from their university days. El-Abd aims to enhance England's defensive strategies, focusing on areas of improvement while building on existing strengths. He acknowledges the significance of line speed in winning collisions, a crucial aspect of modern rugby, and is determined to foster growth within the team as they prepare for upcoming challenges. The collaboration with Borthwick and the coaching staff is seen as a vital step towards achieving collective success for England in the sport.