Henry Paul has been tipped to become a success in rugby union by the man who will guide him through his 'conversion'.

The 27-year-old New Zealander will become the latest high-profile rugby league player to switch codes when he is unveiled by Gloucester at a plush Park Lane hotel in London today.

Paul, who is eligible to play for England through an English grandfather, rejected a new contract offer from Super League leaders Bradford Bulls in favour of a four-year deal, part-funded by the Rugby Football Union, with Gloucester thought to be worth at least £200,000 a year.

David Ellis, a former league coach who last week joined the backroom staff of Gloucester from French club Begles-Bordeaux, was consulted by Kingsholm boss Philippe Saint-Andre before he moved in for the goal-kicking stand-off.

And Ellis, who coached rugby league in England, France and Australia before his 'defection', has no doubt that Paul can be every bit as successful in his cross-code switch as his former Wigan team-mate Jason Robinson.

"They asked me what I thought and I said he would fit in perfectly," said Ellis. "He has had a little bit of experience of rugby union from his time with Bath in 1996 and that will help, although the game has changed dramatically in that time.

"It's become a lot quicker and players in the Premiership in England are a lot fitter.

"The game was one and two phases and a kick then, but now there are eight or nine phases. It's continuous rugby and once Henry settles into the positional play he will exploit the tight defences.

"The two games are a lot closer, but there are still lots of differences, and he will have a lot to learn."

Ellis, who will take up his new appointment at Kingsholm next month while continuing his role as defensive coach to the French national team, will be 'nurse-maiding' Paul through his teething period in the 15-man game.

"I am looking forward to working with him to help him through," he said. "The last three years have been a massive learning experience for me, and I am sure that will help with my involvement with Henry."

There is much interest as to which position Paul will find himself in at Gloucester and, further afield, England.

Although a regular stand-off, Paul has extensive experience at full back and centre, and has even played for his country at hooker.

"For my mind, I wouldn't play him at 10 to start with, and I don't think he'll be a full back because of the demands of positional play and kicking," said Ellis.

"I would play him at inside centre to begin with and, as things progress, he'll be able to adapt."