The Rodney Parade region’s losing bonus-point against Munster on Saturday ensured their highest points tally for four years. The haul of 42 saw them finish above the Cardiff Blues for the first time in 10 years, after an injury plagued start to the campaign.
After a season that saw them reach the semi-finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup, Jones finally has a formula he is happy with. And with the introduction of South African scrum-half Sarel Pretorious next season, Jones reckons they are ready to make waves in the Guinness PRO12.
He said: “We are three miles further down the road than last year. Our change phase has finished and we will have a squad that we are happy with. We are going about our business with good young players and strong overseas signings and we will be in good stead next season if you add the likes of (the injured) Elliot Dee, Lewis Evans, Andrew Coombs and Sarel Pretorius.
“We are trying to turn things around and have changed the culture and the way that we have gone about our business. There is real promise here.”
The Dragons were comprehensively beaten 50-27 by Munster, who finished the PRO12 season level on points with first placed Glasgow Warriors. And Jones admitted it was disappointing to end the season with defeat.
He said: “We are upset to have lost the game in the first 20 minutes,” said Jones. “There were a lot of motivated Munster people both on and off the field and the penalty count crucified us. We just couldn’t get anything going. It was difficult to get a foothold but we had our opportunities and weren’t as clinical or precise as Munster, who look the best team in the league.”
