FORMER Newport Gwent Dragons head coach Paul Turner is back in the big time after being recruited by Dai Young at Wasps.

Turner joins the 2004 and 2007 Heineken Cup champions as a consultant attack and skills coach.

The 51-year-old former Wales, Newbridge and Newport No 10’s appointment is Young’s first since taking over as director of rugby at Adams Park last month.

Turner, who had also coached at Sale and Harlequins, said: “To join a club of Wasps’ calibre is a great opportunity for me.

“Wasps have always been a club I admired and respected and I am delighted to be back coaching in the Premiership.

“The club has clearly put together a strong squad for next season with some highly talented attacking individuals and I am looking forward to helping shape the structure of how the side plays.”

Turner left the Dragons in controversial circumstances in February by “mutual agreement” after being suspended.

He was the subject of an internal inquiry at Rodney Parade after off-the-field incidents.

Turner, who was Dragons boss for six years, made an allegation that flanker Dan Lydiate was injured during a fitness session with Wales and was involved in an after-match confrontation with a journalist.

Darren Edwards took over from him.

Young, who left Cardiff Blues last month, is delighted to have the three times capped Turner on board.

He said: “We are really pleased to introduce Paul to our plans for the new season and we believe that he will be an important addition to the coaching set-up.

“He will bring some fresh attacking ideas to the team and I think he can make a big impact in our style of play this season.”

Wasps will have a strong Welsh contingent at their High Wycombe home for the coming season. As well as Young and Turner, Warren Gatland’s defence guru Shaun Edwards is also part of the coaching set-up.

And on the field, Wasps have signed Wales outside-half Nicky Robinson and have international prop Ben Broster among their ranks.

Wasps had a very disappointing campaign last season, knocked out of the Heineken Cup in the group stages and only qualifying for the Amlin Challenge Cup after finishing ninth in the Aviva Premiership.