Paul gets own coach

Henry Paul's fast-track elevation into the England midfield has slowed to such an extent that Gloucester are considering employing a full-time personal coach to accelerate his education.

On Saturday against London Irish, Paul played where England manager Clive Woodward would like him to play, at outside centre - for all the good it did him.

On a muddy bog of a Kingsholm pitch, he touched the ball no more than three times. All he could offer to further his international case was some robust defence.

Recent derogatory remarks in the Press about the standard of coaching at the West Country club have not helped Paul's position. He has since held productive talks with coach Philippe Saint-Andre to clear the air and although Gloucester were angered that his grievances were made public, the former rugby league man is unlikely to face substantial disciplinary action.

In fact, Saint-Andre has been receptive to Paul's comments. After his team's 29-22 victory, a result that keeps them second in the Premier-ship, the Frenchman said: 'Henry is still learning rugby union. I have tried him at inside centre and tried him at fly half because his best position in 12 or 15 months will be fly half.

'But for this he must improve. He has everything to do very well in rugby union, but he may need more time.'

Referring to Paul's public outburst, he added: 'It is better that these things stay inside the club.

'I was very sad because Paul Turner (Gloucester's backs coach) spent a lot of time with him, more than with all the rest of the squad.