EXPECT Newport Gwent Dragons to be much tougher this season, warns Leigh Jones who returns to the top level as Dragons forwards coach.

He already praises new coach Chris Anderson for the organisation he has brought in, though he urges fans to give him time to adapt to the technical changes.

"On the evidence so far the Dragons will be much fitter and tougher mentally than they have been," said Jones.

"Chris is his own man and he hasn't achieved what he has by being anything else. He has taken time to adjust, but he has already brought fabulous management organisation to the table.

"His changes in the training routine have been a revelation, and if he can keep bringing in fresh ideas we will be fine."

Jones is happy to be back working at the top end after a year in the Premier Division when he guided Newport to the title, though he did some skills work with the Dragons.

"I'm delighted to be in the top flight of regional rugby on a regular basis. The game has moved on tremendously and I have moved on as a coach which can only be of benefit," he said.

David Rees, the former Cross Keys coach, will now be full time in charge of Newport and as Dragons player development manager. He will have Gareth Nicholas with him as Dragons Academy manager and Phil Ramsey as conditioning coach.

Rees, from Abercarn who has also coached Wales under-19s and under-21s, has taken a few skills sessions with the senior Dragons squad.

"We will get a complete framework in place by the end of September and it's up to the players to give it their best shot," he said of the development plans.

"There should be a mantra and there will be advice given, it's not about looking for a quick fix. "One of the first concepts will be to divide the area into juniors and seniors. At 19 a lot of players need support and they will work with clubs in the region, particularly with premier clubs of which there are seven, and underpin that with clubs in Division One.

"My involvement at national level has helped me realise that attitudes are changing enormously, managing time and education.

"Only an elite band can become senior professionals and we've got to cater for them."

l Dragons chief executive Andy Marinos has clarified the situation regarding the name.

He says the official name is Newport Gwent Dragons, that it is incorrect to refer to the side as Newport, Newport Dragons or Gwent Dragons and that for marketing purposes the team will be called Dragons.

However, for broadcast media the club are happy for the name The Dragons to be used.

Dragons squad: Backs: P Montgomery, K Morgan, S Tuipulotu, G Wyatt, N Brew, B Breeze, H Luscombe, J Bryant, S Winn, C Sweeney, C Warlow, G Cooper, G Baber, R Jones, B Shelbourne. Forwards: R Snow, A Black, C Anthony, R Thomas, S Jones, K Crawford, J Richards, P Young, I Gough, P Sidoli, L Charteris, M Owen, R Oakley, R Bryan, R Beattie, J Ringer, J Forster (captain). Development players: R Dale, G Robinson, S Waldron, R Payne.