THE Dragons have appointed Dai Flanagan as head coach, working under director of rugby Dean Ryan.

The 36-year-old former fly-half heads to Rodney Parade from the Scarlets, where he has been backs coach since 2019.

Flanagan said: “I’m excited to be joining Dragons and putting my mark on the team and how we play. I’m keen to build on the foundations that have been put in place and enhance and develop our performances.

“I started my career back at Newport High School, working with the likes of Leon Brown and Joe Davies in the Dragons Academy set-up, so it’s a fantastic prospect to come home to work with those boys again and help make them better.

“I’ve been involved with Scarlets for eight years in several roles, including heading up the coaching team when the opportunity arose, so I leave with memories of an unbelievable rugby journey.

“I'd like to thank Dwayne and the Scarlets for allowing me to take up this opportunity and also all the staff and players, I can't thank them enough.

“From the likes of Rhys Priestland and Regan King when I first joined, to Scott Williams and Steff Hughes, who are so knowledgeable about the game. I’ve had great support and wish them all well.”

The move will see Flanagan take the lead on the training pitch with Ryan moving upstairs and remaining on the Dragons board.

More to come