England's Top Trio: Gustard Leads Defence Coach Shortlist.

Rugby General

England's Top Trio: Gustard Leads Defence Coach Shortlist.

Paul Gustard, former England assistant coach, Oyannax head coach Joe El-Abd, and Stormers assistant Norman Laker are the top candidates to replace Felix Jones as England's defence coach.

England coach Steve Borthwick is swiftly looking for a replacement after Felix Jones' surprise resignation last month. Although Jones has a 12-month notice period, a new appointment is expected soon.

England's next match is against New Zealand at Twickenham on 2 November.

Paul Gustard, who was an assistant to Eddie Jones from 2016 to 2018 and helped secure two Six Nations titles, is a strong contender. He later coached Harlequins and led Stade Français to the Top 14 semi-finals this year.

Another top candidate is Joe El-Abd, a former Bristol flanker who has built a solid coaching career in France and is a close ally of Borthwick.