Born in Paraparaumu, New Zealand, Paul Steinmetz arrived at Ravenhill in October 2003 having previously played Super 12 rugby for both the Hurricanes and the Highlanders.

Paul made an immediate impression on his arrival at Ulster Rugby and his Ulster debut was at a windswept Sportsground in Galway against Connacht in 2003. Despite having just completed a whole season of rugby in New Zealand, he played in every single Ulster match until his run of approx 55 consecutive matches was cut short after he broke his leg playing against the Borders at the end of the following March.  Although he has Scottish grandparents, Paul chose to represent his native New Zealand at international level and has one All-Black cap, won against Wales in 2002.

Paul is primarily a specialist inside centre, although as a talented midfield back he can also function at out-half and is a useful goal-kicker and Ulster have called on his services on a number of occasions. A constant in the Ulster team, winning 23 caps throughout the 2006/07 season Paul is one of the most affable characters in the squad and has signed a new contact ensuring he will be competing with Ulster Rugby until the end of the 2008/09 season.