Gloucester's Henry Paul is aching to play against Zurich Premiership leaders Leicester on Saturday despite his new England Sevens team-mates flying off to Beijing without him.

Paul was withdrawn from the squad for this weekend's tournament because he is needed by second-placed Gloucester for their crucial top-of-the-table clash.

Still under the temporary stewardship of Paul Turner until Nigel Melville is free to take over the reins as director of rugby, Gloucester lie 16 points behind the Tigers and anything but a Cherry and Whites victory would all-but hand the title back to last season's treble winners.

Paul's withdrawal marks another twist to his unconventional rise to international rugby union after making a much-heralded switch from rugby league in the summer.

The former New Zealand international, who admits he is still not sure what his best position is in the 15-man game, was fast-tracked through the A team and into the full squad, making his debut as a substitute in England's 25-20 defeat to France 10 days ago.

His debut was largely one to forget and though coach Clive Woodward praised Paul's performance, he was made available for the Chinese leg of the IRB World Series Sevens, an effective demotion as the Hong Kong tournament clashes with England's Six Nations match against Wales on March 23.

But Paul is anxious to learn and while not overly disappointed with his England bow, he believes the only way to improve is to play in matches at the highest level.

"I really want to play against Leicester," he said after being asked whether his withdrawal from the Sevens squad was a setback.

"For my learning curve it's the type of game I want to, need to, play in to get the experience.

"It was awesome being selected (for the Sevens). They are a great bunch of guys and it's a great feeling but I really want to play Leicester.

"I have no say in anything. I think it's decided between the club and the RFU. I'll take on what the club says because they pay my wages.

"The same thing happened when I was playing at Wigan and Bradford where New Zealand wanted me."

Paul's selection for the full England side was criticised in all quarters of the media, but he is confident the strides he has taken for Gloucester this season will translate to the international stage in the future.

He was introduced at the Stade de France just before half-time with England on the back foot and 19-0 down.

"I was happy with the way I played in France. I saw it as a chance, an opportunity. I wanted to come on and make things happen. While I was on the field we won 15-6.

"I was happy with my defence. I turned over a couple of balls in contact which I've been working hard not to.

"I've worked a lot with Paul Turner to try and cut out those mistakes. In 14 or 15 games for Gloucester I've only turned over one ball.

"From day one I knew I could play the game and compete. I knew it would take some time to learn but I knew I could tackle, run and defend and would always back myself.

"To be the world's best I'm going to have to start playing against the world's best and that's what I've been waiting for."

Gloucester fulfilled their part of an agreement, which stipulates each club must make one player available, by sending James Simpson-Daniel as Paul's replacement to Beijing.

The England set-up has an integrated program in place which gives greater emphasis on Sevens, particularly as an aid to the development of the full side, than ever before.

Coach Joe Lydon has targeted this summer's Commonwealth Games as the immediate goal, using the World Series to gradually increase preparations.

RFU performance director Chris Spice was disappointed Paul would not be able to compete in Beijing.

"We wanted to get a few tournaments in Henry before the Commonwealth Games," he said.

But when Paul joins up with the squad in Hong Kong, he is confident of learning quickly and using the steps he picked up as a youngster playing touch rugby, even though his Sevens experience is limited.

The open spaces ought to suit Paul's game, and with a solid defence he could become an integral member of the Commonwealth Games squad - that is certainly the RFU's plan.

"I won the Middlesex Sevens with Wigan and have played rugby league Nines. You learn playing touch rugby in New Zealand and with the likes of Jonah Lomu - there are lots of Samoans and Fijians in New Zealand - you learn to have a quick step and spin," he said.