Director of rugby Lyn Jones leaves Newport Gwent Dragons - Ruck

Director of rugby Lyn Jones leaves Newport Gwent Dragons

  • Newport Gwent Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones has left the region by mutual consent because of illness
  • Jones’ departure comes after weeks of speculation over the 51-year-old’s future at Rodney Parade
  • Jones was appointed Dragons director of rugby in June 2013
Newport Gwent Dragons have announced the departure of their director of rugby Lyn Jones with immediate effect.

The Dragons have claimed Jones has been missing from the region through illness for the last two weeks.

“With the club transitioning into a new era of potentially new ownership and new investors, the time felt right for me to step aside,” Jones explained following his departure.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years at the Dragons.

“At the Dragons, we are seeing the emergence of an exciting generation of youngsters that can give the club a fighting chance of securing a place at the very top end of the game.

“I’m really proud to have played a part in this process. It’s been immensely rewarding and I hope that it’ll become the enduring legacy of my time with the Dragons.”

Chief executive Stuart Davies explained that the Dragons brought forward an end of season review because of Jones’ illness, despite the Dragons being in a European semi-final.

“Whilst a frustrating and disappointing season is mitigated by a lengthy injury list and a record number of narrow defeats resulting in losing bonus points, taking the decision now affords Kingsley Jones, head coach, the opportunity to look after the side for the remaining games, ahead of us considering our options for next season,” he said in a statement.

“Both parties agreed it was best for the side that there was a new voice at the helm going forward.”

Former Ospreys head coach Jones returned to Wales following stints at an Abu Dhabi school and English club London Welsh.

Chairman Martyn Hazell added: “We would like to thank Lyn for all his hard work during his time in charge at the Dragons, and to wish him well in whatever challenge he takes on next.

“Whilst this season may not have quite delivered, we remain very excited about the talented young squad that he has assembled and are grateful to him for all he has done at the region.”