The Rodney Parade region have dispensed with the Director of Rugby role previously occupied by Lyn Jones, who left the Dragons after illness last month. 46-year-old Jones has led the region to a pair of European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-finals in the last two seasons.
The former Wales captain will be hoping to improve results in the league after a tenth placed finish, in a season where they claimed 10 losing bonus-points. And Jones confirmed he could be adding to his coaching team in the near future.
He said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Region. I am very proud of the fact that I was born and bred in this passionate rugby area, and it means a huge amount to me to be given this responsibility. Despite the frustrations of this season, I have no doubt about the potential and ability within the squad, and I am looking forward to the new season with excitement and enthusiasm.”
As a product of rugby in Gwent, Jones won 10 caps for Wales, captaining them on one occasion. He also captained Ebbw Vale RFC, Worcester Warriors and Gloucester Rugby. Chief Executive Stuart Davies said: “Kingsley is highly respected by this group of players, his coaching peers in Wales and the wider rugby fraternity, and we absolutely feel that he is the right man to take charge of the team. His appointment as Head Coach though, rather than Director of Rugby, means that we will be reviewing the roles and responsibilities of the wider management team, whilst Kingsley and I will also discuss bolstering the coaching team to add further support, skills and experience.”
