What's happened
Joe El-Abd has been appointed as England's new defence coach, succeeding Felix Jones, who resigned unexpectedly. El-Abd, currently head coach at Oyonnax, will combine both roles initially and is expected to fully transition to England after the French season ends. His first challenge will be the autumn Tests starting in November.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, El-Abd expressed his excitement about joining the England coaching team, stating, "I feel incredibly honoured to join the England coaching team, and I can’t wait to get started." The Independent highlights the urgency of his appointment following Jones's unexpected departure, noting that Borthwick was left scrambling for a replacement. The article also emphasizes El-Abd's strong defensive background, which will be crucial as he implements the blitz defence system. Overall, both sources agree on the significance of El-Abd's experience and his relationship with Borthwick as key factors in this transition.
How we got here
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) was caught off guard by Felix Jones's resignation after the New Zealand tour. This prompted head coach Steve Borthwick to seek a replacement quickly, leading to El-Abd's appointment. El-Abd has a strong coaching background and a personal connection with Borthwick.
Common question
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What Changes Are Happening in England Rugby's Coaching Staff?
Recent coaching changes in England Rugby have raised many questions among fans and analysts alike. With the appointment of Joe El-Abd as the new defence coach following Felix Jones's resignation, the team is poised for a significant transition. What does this mean for the team's future performance and upcoming challenges? Here are some common questions and answers regarding these changes.
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Who is Joe El-Abd and what are his coaching credentials?
Joe El-Abd has recently been appointed as England's new defence coach, stepping into a crucial role following the unexpected resignation of Felix Jones. With a strong coaching background and a personal connection to head coach Steve Borthwick, El-Abd's appointment raises questions about his qualifications and the challenges he will face in this pivotal position.
More on these topics
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New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres.
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Joe El-Abd (born 23 February 1980) is a rugby union player. He is currently the head coach for Oyonnax in the French Top 14.
El-Abd began playing rugby at Hove RFC and at the University of Bath, and after an unsuccessful spell with Bath Rugby, he joined.
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Felix Jones Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Oyonnax is the second most populated commune in the Ain department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in eastern France. Its residents are known as Oyonnaxiens.
Oyonnax lies in a valley of the Jura Mountains in the far north of Ain. It is near the Parc n
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