Dragons RFC statement: Paul Turner

Dragons RFC have confirmed the rumoured return of former coach Paul Turner, who will be contributing to the club in a consultancy capacity for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.

The Dragons unoffically sacked Dean Ryan as director of rugby last year just one game into the URC season and have been facing something of a coaching deficit since. Turner will help fill the void, working part-time with the Dragons while continuing to serve as the Head Coach at Ampthill RFC.

Bringing a wealth of experience, Turner has a distinguished history in off-field roles with Sale, Bedford, Saracens, Gloucester, Harlequins, and Wasps. His multifaceted role at Dragons includes player recruitment, establishing scouting connections, and supporting the development of the club's pathway system. Additionally, Turner will assume a mentoring position for the club's coaches and serve as an advisor to the new Board of Dragons RFC.

A statement reads: "Turner – who previously worked at the club between 2005 and 2011 – is joining the Men of Gwent on a part-time basis in a wide-ranging role, that fully compliments his current role as Head Coach at Ampthill RFC."

Paul Turner said: “I’m looking forward to getting back involved with Dragons and assisting in any way I can in this role, with a club and region I have a great affinity for.

“My main focus remains with Ampthill, who I remain fully committed to, but this is an exciting opportunity for me to once again support Gwent rugby, the new Board at Dragons, plus Dai Flanagan and his coaching team.”

Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “I have a long-term relationship with Paul and so I’m really pleased he is joining us in this consultancy role.

“Paul is a well-respected figure in Welsh rugby and someone I have trusted for a long-time.

“His vast experience and knowledge will be an asset to the club, in particular the work he can do with player recruitment and enhancing our pathway system.”

The Dragons are coming off a rough weekend, going down 33-10 to Leinster at Rodney Parade, with Wales flanker Taine Basham red carded for an elbow to the head of fly-half Ross Byrne.