Ampthill club statement: Paul Turner and Dragons

English Championship club Ampthill have issued a statement in the wake of the announcement in Wales that head coach Paul Turner is to take up a consultancy role with Dragons, the URC region.

Rather than the link being of concern to the second-tier club, who are currently third in their league after two wins in their opening three matches, Ampthill have given 63-year-old ex-Wales international Turner their blessing to take up the consultancy as well as continuing as head coach with the Bedfordshire outfit.

A statement read: “The club would like to congratulate head coach Paul Turner on his appointment to a part-time consultancy role with Dragons RFC.”

Director of rugby Mark Lavery added: “Paul is highly respected in the game in England and Wales, and it is no surprise that a club of Dragons’ stature and their new board would want input from him in developing their player recruitment, scouting links and pathway systems.

“This appointment compliments his role as Ampthill's head coach and we wish him every success.”

Under head coach Dai Flanagan, Dragons have endured an underwhelming start to their new URC season, losing all four matches so far and their two-point haul has them in 15th place, 13 points behind the Bulls, the campaign’s early front runners.

Dragons host the Ospreys in Newport next Saturday while Ampthill’s next Championship fixture is the previous night away to London Scottish. It was 12 years ago when Turner was last involved at the Dragons, exiting as head coach in 2011.