Former Wales fly-half Paul Turner has joined Gloucester as their new backs coach.

Turner, who was previously in charge of National League One club Rugby, signed a two-year deal on Tuesday.

The 42-year-old enjoyed an outstanding playing career in Wales, playing for clubs such as Newport, Pontypool and Newbridge.

He then won three caps during the 1989 Five Nations Championship campaign, before moving to England.

After proved a major success with Sale, he stepped into coaching at Heywood Road until switching his allegiance to Bedford in 1996 and helping them achieve Premiership status.

Lot of respect

After a brief stint on the Saracens coaching staff, Turner was installed as boss of Rugby, steering them back into English rugby's second division and scoring 100 league points from nine appearances last term.

Turner was targeted as replacement for Andy Keast, who parted company with Gloucester just four days before the current Premiership season kicked off.

He said: "This is a new challenge for me. I am here to help Philippe Saint-Andre. He told me that he had thought about the position and that he wanted me for the job.

"I have a lot of respect for the Gloucester supporters and even back in my Welsh days I received letters of support from Gloucester fans, which was very flattering.

"I know what the club are capable of, and there is no reason why an injury-free Gloucester side can't challenge on all fronts and possibly bring home a trophy."