Joe El-Abd

Joe El-Abd is a retired rugby union player. He is currently the Forwards coach for the England national [rugby union team|England men's international rugby team].

Early life and career

El-Abd began playing rugby at Hove RFC and at the University of Bath, and after an unsuccessful spell with Bath Rugby, he joined Caerphilly RFC and later Bristol Rugby in 2003, where he has spent the best part of his career and become a regular fixture at open-side flanker.
As of 2008, he has made over 100 appearances for Bristol and captained the side on several occasions, being named the club's regular captain at the start of the 2008/09 season.
He moved to Toulon in the French Top 14 in 2009 playing there until 2012, when he moved to Oyonnax.

Personal life

El-Abd has an English mother and an Egyptian father and is one of three brothers. His younger brother, Adam El-Abd, is a retired professional footballer who played most of his career for Brighton & Hove [Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion] and Egypt national [football team|Egypt].