Newport Appoint Jones

Newport Gwent Dragons have announced the appointment of former Wales flanker Kingsley Jones as head coach on a three-year contract.

Jones, 44, worked with the Dragons last season as an assistant coach, having previously had a long stint at Aviva Premiership club Sale Sharks. He has also worked as head coach of the Russia national team.

"To be back in Gwent and coaching the Dragons is a big honour for me," said Jones, who won 10 Wales caps during a playing career that included spells with Ebbw Vale, Pontypridd and Gloucester.

"For the last seven or eight years we have been tagged as the fourth Welsh region, and the coaching post here is seen by many as a tough job.

"But I relish the challenge and feel that it is a great honour for me to be coaching Gwent, as I am born and bred in the region."

Dragons rugby director Lyn Jones added: "I am delighted that we have been able to recruit someone of such high coaching standards.

"It was great to have Kingsley here to help out at Rodney Parade last season, but having him here full-time will be beneficial to both the players and the coaching staff."