FORMER Cougars coach Paul March is aiming to do rugby league proud when he switches codes next month in Dubai.

March is returning to action with the Bulldogs over-35s in the veteran ten-a-side rugby union tournament which runs alongside the main annual Sevens event in the United Arab Emirates.

The former Wakefield and Huddersfield Giants half-back, who retired from playing in 2015 and was replaced by Craig Lingard at the Cougars helm in September, is relishing the chance to put his boots back on and help the Bulldogs – a side made up of league players from semi-professional or top amateur level – showcase their skills to a big union audience.

The 37-year-old, who has been getting back in shape at Keighley-based Workouts gym under Paul Royston, is also on standby to coach the team if Sean Richardson is unable to make the trip due to a family illness.

March said: “If I was still involved in (club) coaching I wouldn’t get this opportunity as pre-season training starts.

“But I’m not coaching at the moment and I took this chance with both hands.

“It’ll be nice to get a bit of sun and it’s a chance to do some networking but we want to win every game.

“We’re rugby league players and we don’t like losing – that’s been drilled into us from an early age. Hopefully, we can make the final.”

March will have Cougars’ Squad Builder emblazoned on his Bulldogs shirt as one of his sponsors.

The funding has come directly from David and Margaret Procter, who runs the squad-strengthening scheme at Keighley, as a ‘thank you’ for March’s support while coach.

March explained: “Margaret did a lot of work for Squad Builder when I was in charge at Cougars and we had a good working relationship. She was more than happy to sponsor me.”

March, whose top will also bear the initials DJ in honour of former Cougars favourite Danny Jones, lost his job at the Cougars helm after Keighley failed to make the League One play-offs last season, ending his reign since 2012.

He still works for the Community Cougars Foundation but admits he is keen to get back into coaching at club level – possibly even in the other code.

He said: “I’m always on the lookout. I’m still doing my schools work, going round the community getting Keighley Cougars’ name out there to youngsters.

“My focus is on getting back into coaching and this trip provides a chance to do some networking. Rugby union clubs are often on the lookout for rugby league coaches.”

Having always reached at least the quarter-finals in previous years, Bulldogs – who used to be run under the auspices of BARLA before the amateur governing body withdrew support – will be hoping to progress through their group on Thursday, December 1, in which they face Iran Big Boys, Moscow Lads and Richmond Swansea Heavies.

In addition to March, other recognised names in the squad include Gary Broadbent, who played for Salford and Barrow, and James Marshall, who played nine seasons with Barrow.

The tournament will also raise money to fight prostate cancer.