By David Williams
The Dragons have confirmed that former head coach Paul Turner will be returning to the region in a consultancy capacity to work alongside Dai Flanagan and his coaching team.
Turner – who previously worked at the club between 2005 and 2011 – is joining the ‘Men of Gwent’ on a part-time basis.
He has been given a wide-ranging role, that fully compliments his current role as head coach at English Championship side Ampthill.
🐉𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏 | We are pleased to officially confirm former coach Paul Turner will be working with the club on a consultancy basis for the remainder of the 2023/24 season ⤵️
▶️ https://t.co/T4uj01Q2Go#WeAreGwentRugby pic.twitter.com/MuDGgTwXHq
— Dragons RFC (@dragonsrugby) November 13, 2023
Turner, who has held coaching positions at Sale Sharks, Bedford, Saracens, Gloucester, Harlequins and Wasps in the past, will assist with player recruitment, developing scouting links and supporting the club’s pathway system.
Turner will also take on a mentoring role with coaches at the club and have an advisory role with the new Board of Dragons RFC.
“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,” said the former Wales outside half.
“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, as well as Dai Flanagan and his coaching team.”
Dragons boss Dai Flanagan clarifies the pending return of Paul Turner in an 'ambassadorial role'.
Fair to say that Flanagan is fairly miffed at a Rodney Parade leak that has "made it sound like Paul is coming in as a director of rugby".
👇Full story.https://t.co/pMBdZ415po
— Argus on the Dragons (@argusondragons) November 13, 2023
The Dragons have lost all four games to date this season and have a regional derby to look forward to this weekend at Rodney Parade against Ospreys.
“I have a long-term relationship with Paul and so I’m really pleased he is joining us in this consultancy role,” said Flanagan.
“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.”
"That wasn’t good enough and top-end players don’t do things like that."
Dragons boss Flanagan angry with Wales flanker Basham after red card.
Click below for his thoughts on the loss to Leinster & his anger at the URC for a communication breakdown…https://t.co/vHJI2CLXGV
— Argus on the Dragons (@argusondragons) November 12, 2023