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Jones To Lead Dragons Into Festive Derbies

Ceri Jones will lead the Dragons in a caretaker capacity for the festive fixtures.

Martyn Bicknell | 18/12/2018

Chairman David Buttress has confirmed forwards coach Ceri Jones will lead the Dragons in a caretaker capacity for Friday’s derby at Cardiff Blues as well as the festive fixtures against the Ospreys at Rodney Parade on December 30 and the opening game of 2019 at Parc y Scarlets on January 5.

The former Wales prop was in charge as the Dragons took on ASM Clermont Auvergne last Saturday in the European Challenge Cup so will continue the role during the search for a permanent head coach. 

“I have asked Ceri Jones to lead the team into the New Year and we will look to make a permanent appointment as soon as possible, but most importantly it has to be the right person,” said Buttress.

“As a board we looked at bringing in an interim coach until the end of the season and talked to the Welsh National team about short term options.

“But last Friday we decided that was not realistic and that it would not have given us what we wanted because we would lose whoever it was for the Six Nations period from the end of January to March.

“We are looking for a permanent coach and the process is under way. A decision will be made in the New Year.

“We have been inundated with interest and I have already held a first round of interviews with more to come.

“We have to punch above our weight for developing local talent and retaining that talent,” added Buttress. “The new coach will have a strong track record of that.

“They will have to maximise the performance of our existing squad and have to be a great man manager, which is the case for a leader in any business and the strong attributes we are looking for.”

CLICK HERE to secure your tickets for the festive fixture against the Ospreys at Rodney Parade on 30 December with Early Bird tickets on sale until Christmas Eve.

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