Edwards set to lead Dragons

SHAUN Edwards is set to take over as head coach of the Dragons, barring any last-minute complications.

The struggling Welsh region showed Bernard Jackman the door earlier this week with the board having lost faith in the Irishman after heavy defeats to a weakened Leinster side and Northampton.

The Rodney Parade side have won just three out of their 10 league matches this season, despite significant summer recruitment and, as a result, Jackman has gone.

It is understood that advanced talks with Edwards are taking place as the finer points of a complicated deal are finalised with a view to announcing the news on Monday.

Edwards is, of course, Wales’ defence coach but it is unlikely that any of his time or involvement with the national side would be affected in any way.

The fact the Welsh Rugby Union, who took over the Dragons 18 months ago, are Edwards’ employers has simplified the process to a degree.

One other complicating factor, though, is the 52-year-old’s involvement with the Ospreys, who he has been working with as a defence consultant this season.

Removing Edwards from the Ospreys and placing him at another region is a delicate process for the WRU to manage.

It is expected that Edwards’ Wales involvement during the Six Nations will continue as normal, with an assistant taking over the region during his time away, though those intricacies are also to be finalised. It is thought the deal with the Dragons will only run until the end of this season, with Edwards committed to taking charge of Wigan Warriors in 2020.

Forwards coach Ceri Jones will take charge of this weekend’s daunting Euro trip to face Clermont.