England look to have secured a new defence coach with Joe El-Abd set to be appointed to Steve Borthwick ’s staff. Head coach Borthwick was left reeling by the decision of Felix Jones to depart his set-up in the wake of the tour of New Zealand, forcing the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to scramble to find a replacement.

Joe El-Abd is close to finalising a deal to become the new England defence coach. The former flanker, currently head coach of French side Oyonnax, is expected to be in place for the upcoming November internationals. El-Abd, 44, has been the favourite for the role following the shock resignation of Felix Jones last month.

England's men's team are set to turn to Joe El-Abd as their new defence coach, a source has confirmed to ESPN.

Abd, the head coach of French club Oyonnax, is expected to replace Felix Jones as England’s new defence coach, Telegraph Sport can reveal.

Steve Borthwick is expected to appoint Joe El-Abd as England ’s new defence coach following Felix Jones ’s shock resignation amid a summer of upheaval.