• RFU close to agreeing terms for Oyonnax head coach
• Ed-Abd will begin role for November Tests if deal signed

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.

El-Abd is employed as head coach at Oyonnax but has been offered the job by Borthwick and it is understood the Rugby Football Union is close to agreeing terms for his appointment. The hope is that the 44-year-old will be in position for England’s November Tests if his early release from the Pro D2 side can be agreed.