England assistant coach Joe El-Abd is set to leave the national team after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He is expected to take up a coaching position in France's Top 14, reportedly with Clermont Auvergne.
El-Abd, who joined England's staff in 2024 as a defence coach before moving to oversee the forwards last year, is believed to be the successor to Christophe Urios at Clermont Auvergne. England head coach Steve Borthwick stated that El-Abd "continues to make a significant contribution to both the team and the environment."
Borthwick added that El-Abd's "knowledge of the game and the quality of his coaching have made him a hugely valuable member of our coaching team." El-Abd previously coached Oyonnax in the ProD2, and his family is believed to have remained in France after he took on the England role.
Borthwick and his staff are expected to have their contracts extended until summer 2028, with their long-term futures dependent on performance up to and including the 2027 World Cup in Australia.