England forwards coach Joe El Abd is set to leave his role after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with his next move reportedly already decided.
Midi Olympique reports that El Abd will join Top 14 giants Clermont after the tournament in Australia.
The 46-year-old will be iinitially working alongside head coach Christophe Urios before eventually taking over the club's sporting responsibilities.
Urios is expected to extend his contract with Clermont by three years, but the French club is already planning for a change in leadership.
El Abd is reportedly set to join Clermont after the 2027 World Cup and work alongside Urios for at least one season.
The pair previously worked together at Castres, where they helped the club win the Top 14 title in 2018. Clermont's plan is for El Abd to gradually take control of the club's sporting operations.
Urios is expected to reduce his day-to-day coaching responsibilities next season before eventually moving into a sporting director role.
El Abd will initially work closely with Urios as he familiarises himself with the club before taking on greater responsibility.
The long-term plan is for Urios to move into a senior position away from the pitch, with El Abd eventually becoming Clermont's sole sporting boss.
The club president is expected to formally discuss the changes to the coaching staff at a press conference later today.
El Abd took charge of his current role with England ahead of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.
Before that, he worked as forwards and defence coach at Castres Olympique, helping the club win the Top 14 title in 2018.
He later became director of rugby at Oyonnax, guiding the club back to the Top 14 in 2023.
During his first year with England, El Abd also remained director of rugby at Oyonnax before eventually switching his focus entirely to his England role.
That experience of overseeing a coaching transition could be a small factor in Clermont's decision to bring him in, although it is only a minor detail.
As a player, El Abd was a flanker who represented Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears, making 138 appearances and captaining Bristol. He also played for Toulon and Oyonnax.
No reports have yet indicated who Steve Borthwick may bring in to replace El Abd after the World Cup, should he remain in his head coach position following the tournament.
