England Rugby have appointed Joe El-Abd as the Senior Men’s team defence coach who joins Steve Borthwick’s coaching set-up for the forthcoming Autumn Nations Series.
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After a playing career which saw him represent Bath Rugby, Bristol, and Toulon, El-Abd moved to Pro D2 outfit Oyonnax in 2012 initially as a player coach before transitioning into full-time coaching two years later, with responsibility for the forwards and defence.
“I feel incredibly honoured to join the England coaching team, and I can’t wait to get started,” said El-Abd.
“I am excited by the direction in which this England team is headed and where they want to go under Steve’s leadership. 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. I am excited by the opportunity to keep developing a defence that will help drive England’s success.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Oyonnax rugby, especially Dougal Bendjaballah for understanding my deep desire to coach the England national team.”
During his time at Oyonnax the side were crowned Pro D2 champions in the 2012/13 season, qualifying for the Champions Cup for the first time in the club’s history in 2014/15.
A four-year spell as forwards and defence coach at Castres Olympique followed, where he helped the club secure a Top 14 title in 2018. He then returned to Oyonnax as director of rugby for the 2019/20 season – where he was again responsible for defence – leading them back into the Top 14 as Pro D2 champions in 2023.
“I’m delighted to bring in someone with Joe’s expertise to our coaching program,” said Borthwick.
“His knowledge, passion for the game, and proven experience in developing high-performing teams, will be key to the squad’s ongoing development.
“Joe embodies the qualities we value in the England Rugby team and am I sure he will add to our environment and quickly deliver continued improvements to our game.”
The 44-year-old joins Steve Borthwick’s coaching set-up for the forthcoming Autumn Nations Series and 2025 Guinness Six Nations Championship while continuing his role as director of rugby at Oyonnax.
He will combine his responsibilities with the Pro D2 club until the conclusion of the 24/25 season, after which he will transition to working exclusively for England Rugby.
England welcome New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 2 November (kick-off 3.10pm) for their first match of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series, before taking on Australia, South Africa and Japan.
What England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup heroes look like now, some are very different
They have gone on to lead different lives but, for one night late last year, they reunited to remember that famous day in Sydney.
Sir Clive Woodward’s England lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy for the first – and so far only – time in 2003, after a Jonny Wilkinson drop goal in extra time.
Woodward’s side are still the only northern hemisphere side to win the World Cup, with the other nine tournaments won by South Africa (four), New Zealand (three) and Australia (two).
In a video posted by England Rugby’s Instagram account, Wilkinson – who scored the all important drop goal 28 seconds from time – said: ‘It’s great being back with all the guys from the squad 20 years on.
‘It’s great to be able to see everyone, and to get a feel of what everyone’s been up to, but also to I guess get a feel for why we were able to do what we did 20 years ago, because it still lives on in everyone.’
Take a look at how some of the key players look now:
Phil Vickery
A former Gloucester and London Wasps prop, Phil Vickery called time on his career at the end of the 2010 Premiership season. The two-time British & Irish Lion was a revered opponent across the world, and has since started a successful clothing brand ‘Raging Bull’, with his on-field nickname. Vickery was forced into retirement due to a series of neck injuries, and in 2012 he joined Worcester Warriors as their Scrum Coach.
Vickery has also tried his hand at sports broadcasting, as he was apart of the commentary team for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. His on-screen appearances have also been witnessed across a variety of TV shows, including ‘Celebrity MasterChef’, which he won in 2011. An eternal fan favourite at Kingsholm Stadium, Vickery was appointed the title of Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire in 2015.
Jonny Wilkinson
Renowned for his iconic drop-goal that secured victory against Australia in the 2003 final, Wilkinson transitioned into a coaching role with Toulon, focusing on kicking and skills development following his retirement. He also now works as a pundit for ITV Sport during Rugby World Cup’s and the Six Nations.
Will Greenwood
Greenwood continued to shine on the international stage following the 2003 glory, and went on to represent the British & Irish Lions for their 2005 tour to New Zealand. He ended his career at Harlequins in 2006, and soon gave his experienced views through analysis and punditry. Greenwood co-hosted the ‘School of Hard Knocks’ TV series with former Wales international Scott Quinnell, and was an on-screen analyst for ITV as England reached the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Will has also explored opportunities away from rugby, and is the current Chief Customer Officer for data and software company Afiniti’s London office. Greenwood’s family was struck with tragedy, after his son Freddie died just 45 minutes after being born. The former England centre underwent an inspirational walk to the North Pole in memory of his son, and helped to raise over £750,000 for Borne’s research. Greenwood is a patron of Borne, who are a medical research charity that work with cases of premature birth. He is also a patron of Child Bereavement UK, which is a charity that support parents who have lost a child.