England: Steve Borthwick’s assistant lands Top 14 gig opening the door for Shaun Edwards post-World Cup
Joe El-Abd's departure could pave the way for Shaun Edwards to join the England coaching team.
England assistant coach Joe El-Abd is set to join Top 14 club ASM Clermont after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The defence coach joined Steve Borthwick’s coaching team ahead of the 2024 November internationals, following the resignation of Felix Jones who rejoined the Springboks.
El-Abd joined from PROD2 outfit Oyonnax and will return to France, linking up with Top 14 giants Clermont following the conclusion of the World Cup in Australia.
England defence to depart post-Rugby World Cup
The RFU confirmed his departure on Wednesday with the statement reading: “England Rugby can confirm that men’s team assistant coach Joe El-Abd will take up a role in the French Top 14 following the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.”
El-Abd’s family has remained in France during his time coaching England and he said that played a role in his move back across the channel.
“I’m incredibly proud of my time with England since joining in 2024 and I’m thoroughly enjoying being part of this set-up,” the 46-year-old said.
“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. A large part of my life has been spent playing and coaching in France, and it’s a country that is home to me and my young family.
“But there is plenty of work to do before then. I’m fully committed to giving everything I can to help England achieve success, starting with our Nations Championship games at Allianz Stadium next month.”
Commenting on El-Abd’s decision, England head coach Steve Borthwick said: “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.”
Reports in France state that the ex-England international will join Christophe Urios’ Clermont coaching staff after the head coach signed a three-year contract extension.
Urios is expected to take on a more senior role as sporting director, with El-Abd set to work closely with Urios before taking over as head coach.
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Shaun Edwards to succeed El-Abd?
El-Abd’s departure after the Rugby World Cup could pave the way for Shaun Edwards to lead England’s defence.
The hugely successful 59-year-old is currently working with the England women’s team after leaving Fabien Galthié’s France after the Six Nations.
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Edwards has enjoyed a trophy-laden coaching career with Wales winning four Six Nations Championships over a 12-year period with the team before clinching three with France in 2022, 2025 and 2026.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Edwards said that he still wants to coach at the highest level and had spoken to the RFU about possibly joining England’s coaching team.
“Absolutely, yes, and they would be getting a very motivated and ambitious coach,” he said when asked about whether he still has the ambition for another big international job.
“I would like to think I am a better coach now than I have ever been. I am very determined and it would be nice to win the Six Nations with a third team, having done it with Wales and France. I love the Six Nations. Anything like that I would be very, very open to.
“But I am not a person who badgers for a job that someone already has. England already have a defence coach, he has got a family to feed. I have spoken to people at the RFU, and they are happy with the staff so that is obviously not going to happen in the immediate [future].
“I am very excited to do [work with] the women’s team, that is my main priority. I was just really pleased to be at Twickenham representing England at the weekend in such an amazing match.”
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