GARETH Davies has been confirmed as the new chief executive of Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport RFC.

The former Wales and Lions fly-half succeeds Chris Brown and will take up the position in September.

Davies has been chief executive of Cardiff Athletic Club and Cardiff RFC, head of sport at BBC Wales, chairman of the Sports Council for Wales and most recently dean of the Carnegie faculty at Leeds Metropolitan University.

He is the latest arrival at Rodney Parade in a busy summer that has seen Lyn Jones join as director of rugby and Kingsley Jones appointed as forwards coach.

Davies said: “I have been hugely impressed by the professionalism and ambition shown throughout the business, both at the Dragons and Newport.

“I will look to build on an already strong foundation with the new appointments of Lyn and Kingsley and the new players on the field.

“It’s an exciting time here at the Dragons and I look forward to joining the team in September.”

Brown was brought in as a trouble-shooter by former Newport owner Tony Brown (no relation) in order to sort out the finances at Rodney Parade.

He has done that successfully and the region went from running at a loss to breaking even last year, largely through using the new facilities in the Bisley Stand.

Will Godfrey, chairman of Rodney Parade Ltd, said: “We have created strong, sustainable foundations on which we can now build. With Gareth’s expertise and experience within both business and rugby we look forward to developing the business on and off the field.

"With Gareth’s appointment we have the infrastructure and team in place to secure a successful future for the business.”