Ex-Bristol flanker El-Abd to coach England defence

Former Bristol flanker Joe el-Abd has been hired as England's defence coach, replacing Irishman Felix Jones.

El-Abd, 44, will come into the England set-up in time for their autumn campaign, which begins against New Zealand on 2 November, but will initially combine his duties with those as head coach of current club Oyonnax.

Only once the second-tier French side finish their 2024-25 campaign will El-Abd work full-time with England.

"I am excited by the direction in which this England team is headed and where they want to go under Steve Borthwick's leadership," said El-Abd.

"His enthusiasm is infectious, and his vision for this team is clear.

"Defence is a huge part of the game and it's something I'm extremely passionate about."

Jones handed in his resignation in August, only seven months after joining the England set-up from Rugby World Cup-winning South Africa.

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

Jones has a 12-month notice period as part of his contract and is expected to continue as part of the England coaching set-up, working remotely to provide tactical analysis.

More to follow.