NEWPORT Gwent Dragons head coach Paul Turner has been invited to coach the Barbarians for their game against Bedford on March 18, writes Robin Davey.

It follows the Baabaas' appointment of Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young to take charge of their summer tour.

"We are spreading this around among up and coming coaches and giving as many as possible a chance," explained a Barbarians spokesman, with former Scotland back row ace John Jeffrey due to take charge in their forthcoming fixture against Edinburgh Academicals.

"We appreciated Paul's support in December over the release of Michael Owen for the South Africa game," added the official.

"Luke Charteris was the original choice but he was injured yet within half-an-hour Paul released Michael to play for us and he had a fine game when he went on in the seond half."

Turner will link up again with Bedford director of rugby Mike Rayer, the pair firm friends and old colleagues, while Turner will be returning to the first club he played for when he left Wales for a long period in English rugby.

Turner said, "Having played for the Baabaas quite a long time ago it's good that I can keep in touch with this famous club while this has come during a break in our fixtures.

"I am honoured to be able to help them out."

There is also a fair chance that a few Dragons players will be in the Barbarians line-up for the Bedford game which replaces the usual fixture against East Midlands, normally known as the Mobbs Memorial match.