Statham delighted after Jebel Ali recruit Paul as their head coach

Matt Jones - Editor 09:35 02/03/2016
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  • Big catch: Henry Paul has previously worked as coach of the Russia national team.

    The announcement of former England rugby union and New Zealand rugby league star Henry Paul as Jebel Ali head coach will put the club right back at the forefront of domestic rugby in the UAE next season, claims Dragons flanker Niall Statham.

    Jebel Ali confirmed on Tuesday that 42-year-old ex-dual code star Paul will take over as head coach and club ambassador from July 1.

    The sensational news comes as a welcome shot in the arm for a club that has fallen on hard times in the last 18 months following back-to-back treble-winning campaigns in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

    Dragons are currently sixth in the West Asia Championship and full 15 points adrift of league leaders Dubai Exiles.

    “It’s certainly a statement of intent and really exciting news,” said Statham, who has just returned to the club following his exploits with the UAE sevens team in the Asia Rugby Development Sevens Series.

    “There’s been a steady increase in coaching standards in the UAE in recent years, for example (former Munster and Newcastle Falcons player) Jeremy Manning becoming player-coach at Abu Dhabi Harlequins was a big step, but no-one has done something of this magnitude.

    “I think it’s another step towards the game becoming professional over here and the club is starting to reap the rewards of a very good set-up. Hopefully this is the first step to propelling us back to the forefront of rugby in the UAE.

    “It gives us impetus for the rest of the season. With us slipping out of title contention, this will give us a real shot of adrenaline and will hopefully see us back fighting for silverware next season. That’s always been the aim since we slipped off the pace.”

    Paul excelled during a decorated rugby league career with Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls and New Zealand before switching to union, where he played club rugby for Gloucester and Harlequins, as well as winning six England caps after qualifying for the country.

    He also enjoyed great success with the England sevens side, winning the Dubai Sevens title in 2005.

    Jebel Ali’s players discovered the news on Tuesday via email, although Dragons director of rugby Paul Hart revealed discussions with Paul have been ongoing for the last year-and-a-half, with former player-coach Sean Crombie also instrumental in brokering a deal.

    “We’re delighted and very excited to have captured his services,” said Hart.

    “Henry’s fiancee is a lawyer in Dubai and he has been keen to move over here, but he had originally decided to continue coaching in the UK.”

    Henry’s role at Dragons will also include driving the mini and youth section, developing current players and recruiting new talent to the club.

    “The aim under Henry is to develop and become more organised as a club while retaining the Dragons ethos,” added Hart.

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