NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have put everything in place to make the region a success in the future, says Martyn Hazell, pictured, chairman of the board.

The new management team has been put in place with the appointment of Paul Turner as coach, working alongside fellow Gwent men Leigh Jones and David Rees as coaches and Jim McCreedy in an enhanced role as rugby manager.

Board changes have also taken place, signings have been made with one eye on the future and a budget has been worked out, presented to the board and passed by them.

"It's all positive, we've got everything in place and we're looking to enlarge the squad, though we haven't got any money to waste and it's got to be run as a proper business," said Hazell.

"But we will be better off, with all the regions getting around £2m from the WRU next season and we're hoping to sell about 3,500 season tickets.

"We have sold a lot of sponsorship already and all the hospitality boxes have gone, we've had people ringing us up with enquiries (it is understood 90% of this season's sponsorship has been sold and new support is actively being sought).

Hazell added, "Paul Turner is a Gwent man who coaches exciting rugby, and he was an exciting player to watch.

"We've got eight current members of the Wales squad and two British Lions in our team, so what more could you ask for?

"We've got academy boys coming through, so what's the point in having them if we're not going to use them. There's no point going around the world bringing players in.

"As for any upheaval, there isn't any, there aren't any problems, it's the media who make it into that."

McCreedy's new role will take in his previous role of team manager, which was basically running the squad, but it matters like contracts, negotiations and attending major meetings regarding the rugby playing side of the business.

Gethin Jenkins, who formerly worked for the International Board, will remain in the commercial manager's role he has occupied for the past year.

Chief executive Andy Marinos' new role as manager for all South Africa's national squads will start on July 1 from his new base in Cape Town.

It will involve him in all contractual, playing and coaching matters for the Springboks national squad, sevens team, under-21s and under-19s.

He hopes to be back here in November when South Africa tour the UK.

The Dragons announce that season ticket prices for 2005/6 remain on a par with the one just ended, with a reduction on some key grades. An adult in the Argus Terrace will pay £115, £5 less, while an adult in the central blocks of the Hazell Stand will see a reduction of £20, down from £250 to £230.

Junior fans will be able to watch for £2.30 a game with students and OAPs paying an average of £4.23 from the terraces.

A new away game discount scheme will give all season ticket holders vouchers worth £2 off a ticket when the Dragons visit other Welsh regions in the league.

Supporters with a new season ticket with any of the Gwent-based Welsh Premier or First Division sides will be eligible for regional discount prices.

A new scheme means renewing season ticket holders can recommend a friend or family member who has not previously held a Dragons season ticket and receive a 10% reduction from the price of their own tickets.