Paul is Head of Performance Rugby at the University of Nottingham and has previously worked as head coach at Loughborough University and director of sport at Uppingham School. He has also coached a number of England representative teams.

Club chairman Andrew Fearn explained: “As a club we are determined to give all our players, coaching teams and support staff the best possible opportunity to develop and we see Paul’s appointment as another major step to achieving this goal."

Paul said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Newark Rugby Club and hopefully adding value to playing and coaching."

“Newark is clearly a forward-thinking and aspirational club and I have been really impressed so far not only with the excellent facilities but also the professionalism of the people involved in the running of the club."

Tim Barker, the club’s director of rugby, commented: “Paul was keen to align himself to a progressive, successful, local club and I’m convinced that his depth of knowledge across the game will help all our coaches and players maximise their development."

The appointment continues the overhaul of the club’s coaching team following the appointment of Adam Corcoran from Paviors as head coach in May.

Adam has been joined by James Offer, a former first team fly half, who has returned to the club as assistant.

Newark’s pre-season games start on Saturday 24 August at home to Scunthorpe 2nds, kick off at Kelham Road 3pm.