A seasoned rugby coach and former player, it's been rumoured that El-Abd was on Wales' radar at one point, but it's now been confirmed that he has been recruited to the Red Rose cause by his old University of Bath flatmate, England head coach Steve Borthwick.
Early Rugby Career and Leadership
El-Abd’s rugby career began at Bath then Caerphilly, before a move to Bristol that made his name as a player with defensive grit and on-field intelligence. His leadership abilities were recognised early on, earning him the captaincy at Bristol, where he is today considered a club legend. He went on to play in the Top 14 with Castres Olympique and also had a successful stint with Toulon, where he played a key role in guiding the team to the Pro D2 title in 2008.
Coaching Success
After retiring as a player, El-Abd transitioned smoothly into coaching. His tenure at Oyonnax Rugby in France's Pro D2 has been particularly impressive. Under his guidance, the team has consistently been one of the top-performing sides in the league, with a strong defensive structure that many attribute to El-Abd's coaching philosophy. His potential role with England is largely due to his ability to create robust, cohesive defensive units that excel in high-pressure situations.
Sport in the blood
Joe El-Abd comes from a family of athletes. His younger brother, Adam El-Abd, is a former professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Brighton & Hove Albion and Shrewsbury Town, as well as the Egypt national team. This sporting pedigree has played a significant role in El-Abd's understanding of defensive systems, allowing him to integrate both football and rugby insights into his coaching.
Potential Impact on England Rugby
El-Abd will ultimately be replacing the outgoing Felix Jones, focusing on solidifying England's defence as they look to build on a promising 2024 Guinness Men's Six Nations campaign. Known for his detailed approach and strong player relationships, El-Abd's influence could lead to a more resilient England team, particularly in the Championship - and possibly even as soon as the Autumn Nations Series this November.
El-Abd’s move has sparked excitement within the rugby community, with many pointing to his track record in French rugby as evidence that he can excel at the international level. His collaboration with Steve Borthwick could further strengthen the coaching set-up, which is aiming to return England to the top of the rugby world.
England begin their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a fascinating encounter against New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 2nd November, before hosting Australia, South Africa and Japan on consecutive weekends.
