PAUL Turner is not returning to Rodney Parade to take charge of Newport Gwent Dragons.

Turner is a former Newport captain and leading points-scorer, and he was linked with the Dragons' coaching job in national newspapers yesterday.

He is currently backs coach with Harlequins, where Dragons benefactor Tony Brown has a hospitality box with his Bisley company. But he has just signed a two-year extension to his contract with Harlequins.

The Dragons feel Turner would be a good option for the job made vacant by Declan Kidney's decision to remain in Ireland and take over the Leinster position, though he had signed for the Dragons.

But the eventual successor to Mike Ruddock at Rodney Parade could come from a lot nearer home. Also not joining up with the Dragons are wings Joe Roff, of Australia, and Breyton Paulse, of South Africa, both linked with the region as well.

Roff, with 29 tries in 82 appearances for Australia, nearly joined Newport two years ago, but opted for Biarritz instead, while Paulse has scored 17 tries for the Springboks.

But with the Dragons about to sign winger Gareth Wyatt from the now defunct Celtic Warriors and three other Warriors backs, they are not likely to go for a major overseas signing.

The Dragons will probably unveil their five new players from the Warriors tomorrow - Wales half- backs Gareth Cooper and Ceri Sweeney, centre Jon Bryant, Wyatt and number 8 Richard Bryan. It has been reported that Bryant is going to Zurich Premiership newcomers Worcester instead, but the Dragons say he is set to join them.

However, reports that the Dragons received £60,000 in compensation from Leinster for the loss of Kidney are exaggerated.