Henry Paul takes fast track into England rugby squad

7.50 am

LONDON - New Zealander Henry Paul has been fast-tracked into the England rugby squad to play world champions Australia at Twickenham just five days after his first game since a switch of codes.

Former Kiwi league star Paul, aged 27, qualified to wear the red rose of England as he has never played rugby for New Zealand, and has an English grandparent.

Tokoroa-born Paul, who showed skill in a range of positions in tests for the Kiwis, was likely to play in the midfield, should he get on to the turf at London's famed home of rugby.

After naming Paul today in his 26-strong squad, England manager Clive Woodward said he did not expect the rugby rookie to start in any of the November tests against Australia, Romania and South Africa.

Paul, last weekend scored 28 points on his rugby debut in the 98-14 rout of European Shield opponents Caerphilly, to earn a meteoric call-up.

He played rugby at school in West Auckland, then for a few months with English club Bath five seasons back.

Woodward has had startling success with former league winger Jason Robinson, who played alongside Paul at Wigan and shares his manager.

"Henry's involvement is part of a learning curve similar to that experienced by Jason Robinson last year," Woodward said today.

Paul has consistently downplayed his international prospects since announcing his code switch in July, saying he simply wanted to play well for Gloucester.

Minutes before he was named for England, he told NZPA he was thrilled with his debut game against Caerphilly, giving no indication he had had his shoulder tapped by Woodward.

"I loved it," he said. "Our forwards went really well, so there was space. For a debut it was fantastic."

Paul could not immediately be reached by NZPA following the squad announcement.

In a wide-ranging search for a new league or rugby club this year, Paul held talks with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.

He discussed a move to Super 12 side Waikato Chiefs, and the prospect of challenging for All Blacks selection, but the trail went cold.

British league commentator Ray French, who played league for Britain and rugby for England in the 1960s, told NZPA today it was a formality that Paul would represent England.

Paul and league convert Iestyn Harris, this week included in the Wales squad after 120 minutes of rugby, would shine in the 15-man game, French said.

After having to tackle charging league forwards, Paul would have no trouble on defence, while he had the range of individual skills needed to break a static rugby defensive line on attack.

Few rugby players worldwide had that ability, he said.

Welsh coach Graham Henry, who selected Harris, told NZPA he had yet to see Paul play rugby.

His 28 points last weekend was not necessarily an indication of rugby ability, New Zealander Henry said.

"I could score 28 points against Caerphilly," he said.

"I've liked what I've seen of him. He's obviously a very talented footballer, he's got a lot of vision, huge skills -- I just haven't seen him play rugby. He's always impressed me as a league player.

Paul helped Bradford Bulls to win England's Super League final a fortnight ago

There were a number of high-profile casualties from England's 20-14 Six Nations Championship defeat by Ireland in Dublin 11 days ago.

That 20-14 loss denied England a Grand Slam for the third successive season, and Woodward used the axe, dropping Lions fullback Iain Balshaw, hooker Phil Greening and lock Simon Shaw.

Loose forward Martin Corry, troubled in recent weeks by a hamstring problem, also missed the team and captain Martin Johnson was ruled out by a hand injury.

Woodward was due to announce his starting lineup next Tuesday, when Paul will learn if he makes the match-day 22.

- NZPA