Paul is determined to make a go of his union career

The Vikings held talks with Paul's agent David McKnight while the player was in Australia and New Zealand with England's sevens team and had put together a financial package to secure his release from Gloucester.

But Paul made it clear on his return from Auckland that he intends to pursue his new career in the 15-man code with Gloucester and England.

We are an ambitious club and the finances were in place for such a deal to become a reality Widnes spokesman

"The move for Henry was a serious one and a sign of both where the club is at the moment and where it intends to be in the very near future," said a Widnes spokesman.

"We are an ambitious club and the finances were in place for such a deal to become a reality.

"However, after a period of deliberation, Henry's representative has informed the club of his intention to remain in rugby union and the club wishes him well in his continued venture."

The Vikings had targeted the Gloucester full-back as the ideal replacement for first and second-choice stand-offs Steve Carter and Craig Weston.

Weston has been released for personal reasons and Widnes are resigned to losing Carter, whose career is under threat after undergoing an ankle re-construction.