Joe El-Abd, currently an assistant coach for England, will be departing to take up a post at Top 14 club ASM Clermont after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. His tenure in England, which began before the November internationals in 2024 following Felix Jones's return to the Springboks, sees him leaving a significant imprint on the team's tactics and morale.
El-Abd, who had joined from the French PROD2 team Oyonnax, has maintained his ties to France where his family lives, a factor he cites as influential in his decision to move back. "I'm incredibly proud of my time with England since joining in 2024 and I'm thoroughly enjoying being part of this set-up," El-Abd stated, emphasizing his commitment to the England squad up until the World Cup.
"There is a huge amount that I still want to achieve with England and my focus between now and the World Cup won’t change. After that, the opportunity to return to France is one I’m excited about,"
El-Abd's future role at Clermont will be under the guidance of Christophe Urios, who after signing a three-year extension, is expected to transition to a senior sporting director role, positioning El-Abd for potential advancement within the club.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed El-Abd's upcoming departure, noting his substantial contributions to the team. England head coach Steve Borthwick lauded El-Abd's impact, stating, "Joe is an outstanding coach and continues to make a significant contribution to both the team and the environment. His knowledge of the game and the quality of his coaching, have made him a hugely valuable member of our coaching team."
"I know he will continue to give everything to the team and will be working as hard as ever to help us achieve success over the next 12 months. Thereafter, I am sure he will go on to great success back in France," Borthwick added.
With El-Abd's departure, the door opens for potential new defensive strategies under a new coach. Shaun Edwards, with a decorated coaching resume including multiple Six Nations Championships with Wales and France, has expressed interest in the England role, emphasizing his ambition and readiness to contribute at the highest level.
"Absolutely, yes, and they would be getting a very motivated and ambitious coach," Edwards remarked about his potential future with England. Currently, he is committed to the England women's team but remains open to opportunities that would allow him to bring his experience to the men's team.
As the rugby world turns its eyes towards the upcoming international fixtures and the transitions within coaching staffs, the contributions of coaches like El-Abd and the potential of figures like Edwards highlight the ever-evolving nature of the sport and its leadership.
