The 42-year-old enjoyed a stellar playing career in both league and union, representing Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls in Super League as well as Gloucester in the English Premiership.
He’s also earned his coaching spurs since retiring in 2010 – he was part of the Russia coaching set up as the country made its Rugby World Cup debut in New Zealand in 2011.
Paul was introduced to former Dragons player and coach Sean Crombie and Hamish Russell of club sponsor Hesco two years ago where the seeds of his appointment were first sewn.
It was announced in March that Dragons had reached an agreement to sign the Kiwi as head coach for the 2016/17 season, and Paul admitted he has already been made to feel right at home in the Emirates.
“I was impressed by the quality of people and spirit at the club so it was a pretty easy decision to say yes,” Paul told Sport360.
“It didn’t happen for a number of reasons [in 2014] but it has now and I am really excited by the opportunity.”
During his playing career, Paul won 24 international rugby league caps for the Kiwis before switching to union later on and making six appearances for the Red Rose.
Although the new domestic season may be three months away, Paul admits he is relishing the chance to make an early mark on the club.
“We’re an amateur club so anyone and everyone is welcome to come and try out for Dragons over the summer,” said Paul.
“We’ll aim to get a couple of trial games organised to give everyone a shot at making what I hope is a competitive squad. I aim to bring solid planning, direction and execution of a style of game to Dragons that suits the players and adapts to the opposition.
“I’ve a fair idea on the type of game I want to play but I don’t know yet how we’re going to put this into practice and until I meet the guys and see them on the pitch, we will initially work on the basics with a twist.
“I need to get my bearings first, feel the sand under my feet and get the first few training sessions done, but I like to attack.”
Jebel Ali won successive trebles in 2012/13 and 2013/14 but have been forced to watch from the sidelines for the last two seasons.
Paul said he’s already had “honest” conversations with the club’s hierarchy.
“I know that last season wasn’t a massive success in terms of results. I have discussed aspects of their season briefly with the coaches and some senior players,” he said. “There was an honesty and recognition of not performing to the standards that Jebel Ali have set.
“Hopefully, we can learn some lessons and aim to improve against the leading teams who seemed to be well coached and who all have a desire to be champions.
