Rugby union convert Henry Paul played down his prospects of representing England as he completed his big-money move to Gloucester.

The 27-year-old New Zealand international was unveiled to the media at a London Park Lane hotel after signing a four-year contract, thought to be worth £200,000 a season, with the Zurich Premiership club.

Paul, one of a number of high-profile league targets for the 15-man game, will join the West Country club in October when his current contract with Super League leaders Bradford Bulls expires.

Gloucester chairman Tom Walkinshaw, who is also chairman of Premiership Rugby, said the club would not seek an early release from Paul's contract with the Bulls and maintained that they funded the cross-code move without assistance from the Rugby Football Union.

Although Paul said he had spoken in the past to both England coach Clive Woodward and his predecessor Jack Rowell, he had not yet contemplated the prospect of playing either for England or the All Blacks.

Paul, who collected his 23rd Kiwi cap 12 days ago, told today's news conference: ``I'll cross that hurdle when I get to it.

``The deal I have signed is with Gloucester and that's where I have got to prove myself first off. I've got to get myself into rugby mode once I finish my league commitments.''

The former Wakefield and Wigan favourite said he was attracted by the ambition of Gloucester and a desire to complete unfinished business, following his brief stint alongside Jason Robinson at Bath six years ago.

``It's a personal challenge,'' he said. ``I didn't really give myself time at Bath to do the job properly. This is the best way to do it. I was impressed by the honesty of the club and things behind the scenes. The attitude is similar to when I joined Bradford.

``I think European football is really exciting and I want to be part of it. That's something that doesn't happen enough in rugby league and was a big pulling point.

``It was one of the hardest decisions of my life and was six months in the making but I now know it's probably the best. I don't see is as a risk.

``Rugby league is a great game and it can compete on its own but, like any sport, they need to work on ways to improve.''

Paul admitted he was influenced in his decision by the successful switch to union of his former Wigan team-mate Jason Robinson.

``Jason Robinson is a freak of nature, a special talent,'' he said. ``His success was another drawing point and I would like to make the same sort of impact.

``Obviously I play a different position but I think I have a lot to bring to Gloucester rugby and I need all the support I can get.''