Emanuelli to play for Scorpions

South Wales Scorpions‘ new assistant coach Paul Emanuelli is also set to sign a playing contract for the club for 2014.

Emanuelli, 30, is known as a proven goal-kicker after a long career in both codes, turning out in the reserves for the old Celtic Crusaders as well as Blackwood Bulldogs, Valley Cougars, South Wales Hornets and a seven year playing spell with Wales Dragonhearts.

Head coach at the Cougars for the last two years in addition to playing for them, he was last year appointed assistant coach of the Dragonhearts.

In rugby union, he was capped for Wales at under 17 and 18s level, is a product of the pre-regional Newport RFC youth side as well as turning out for Blackwood, Nelson and Fleur de Lys.

Emanuelli said: “When Mike Grady (Scorpions’ new head coach) ask me if I wanted to put my boots on for the club as well as being the assistant coach, I jumped at the chance.

“I’m putting myself through the pre-season training and now I can’t wait for the season to start. There’s a great work attitude in the training squad and we all want to make this club successful.”