Pride at taking top job with Dragons

KINGSLEY Jones has spoken of his pride at succeeding Lyn Jones as boss of Newport Gwent Dragons.

The ailing region has scrapped the position of director of rugby, which was held by ex-Ospreys chief Lyn Jones, and put the former Wales captain in permanent charge for next season.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the region,” beamed Kingsley Jones.

“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.”

Dragons chief executive Stuart Davies, the former Wales No.8, 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.”

Former London Welsh boss Lyn Jones stepped down last month after missing Dragons’ shock victory at Aviva Premiership Gloucester in the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup.

Kingsley Jones presided over that upset and the decent account they gave before being defeated in the semi-finals at star-studded French heavyweights Montpellier.

The former Wales captain has a year remaining on his contract at Rodney Parade and will aim to improve their results in the Guinness Pro12 – they finished 10th in the table and are up for sale.