FLY-HALF Steffan Jones is leaving Newport Gwent Dragons for English Championship outfit Bedford, writes Chris Kirwan.
Next season the 23-year-old from Bargoed will head out on loan from the Rodney Parade region to link up with former Wales international Mike Rayer, who is director of rugby at Goldington Road.
Jones made his Dragons debut as a replacement against Gloucester in October, 2010 and scored a try on his first start against Cardiff Blues.
He has made 45 appearances and holds the region’s record for points in a match after booting seven penalties and three conversions against London Welsh last season.
However, he has been a fringe figure this season with director of rugby Lyn Jones opting for Jason Tovey as his first-choice fly-half backed up by ex-Italy international Kris Burton.
Jones has been given just one start in the RaboDirect Pro12 and has featured more frequently for double-chasing Cross Keys than he has for the Dragons.
He could well feature as a full-back for Keys in the Swalec Cup final at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday with 21-year-old Dorian Jones, the man who could benefit from his Dragons exit, getting the nod at 10.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here