Born
in St. Helen's, Paul first played rugby (league!) aged 6, not switching to the
union version of the game until he was 17.
Educated
at Saints Peter & Paul School, Widnes, he joined Sale in 1999, and from there
captained England U18s (Clubs), playing also Premiership and European Shield matches
during his time with the Sharks. He also played for England U19s in the World
Cup.
From July, 2003 - October, 2004,
Paul played rugby league for Widnes Vikings in the 'Super League', and for Ireland
RL, besides also going on loan back to Sale in 2003 to cover Jason Robinson in
England's successful Rugby World Cup year. Two seasons with Munster, playing in
the Celtic League and Heineken Cup, followed, then his year playing with Albi.
With
an Irish background, his uncle Kevin Devlin captained Connaught and played for
Leinster, and Paul played for Ireland at U21s level in the 2002 Six Nations, travelling
with them to South Africa that year for the World Championships alongside such
players as Dennis Leamy and Frank Murphy.
A
keen golfer, on his move to Cornwall he was keen to take up surfing - a progress
report will follow!
