Dragons confirm Jones as Head Coach

Dragons chairman David Buttress has confirmed Ceri Jones has been appointed Dragons Head Coach until the end of the current 2018/19 season.

Former Wales prop Jones picked up the reins as Dragons faced ASM Clermont Auvergne in round four of this year’s European Challenge Cup and was in charge as the Men of Gwent earned a first Welsh derby win in four seasons with victory at Rodney Parade against the Ospreys over the festive period.

The Dragons have nine fixtures left to play this campaign starting with next Friday’s return fixture against the undefeated Top 14 outfit Clermont and concluding at Principality Stadium against the Scarlets for Judgement Day VII at the end of April.

“Ceri Jones has done a great job leading the team with the support of our coaching group since he stepped up to the role,” said David Buttress.

“Ceri has the full support of everyone at the region and it’s clear the players are reacting positively to his leadership with performances full of heart, character and determination.

“We said before Christmas that we want to make a permanent appointment as soon as possible, but also that it has to be the right person for the region.

“Whilst the search for the permanent head coach is underway, our upturn in performances since Ceri took over has given us the opportunity to take our time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve over the final months of the campaign.”

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Jones worked as a forwards coach under Bernard Jackman, who left the Welsh club last month.

Former Ireland international hooker Jackman was appointed by the region in June 2017 and oversaw a transitional eighteen months at Rodney Parade, spearheading the recruitment of a number of Welsh players including Ross Moriarty.

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