Paul handed Russian role

England Saxons will be going up against two familiar faces when they tackle Russia in the Churchill Cup on Wednesday.

Former England centre joins Diamond at the Churchill Cup

England Saxons will be going up against two familiar faces when they tackle Russia in the Churchill Cup on Wednesday. Former Sale and Saracens chief Steve Diamond has successfully guided the minnows to the World Cup as director of rugby - and he has now been joined by former England international Henry Paul. The former Gloucester centre, who won six caps after his controversial switch from rugby league, has begun works as backs coach for the Russians at the Churchill Cup following his release from Leeds. And Diamond is hoping to extend the working relationship for when Russia take on Australia, Italy and the USA on their World Cup debut. Diamond told The Rugby Paper: "Henry brings exactly what the Russian team needs - an ability to operate with the vision which rugby league does brilliantly well. "The reputation Henry may have in disciplinary terms doesn't bother me. I know how to manage him. He is starting on a consultancy basis and, if it goes well, he will be with us at the World Cup."