THE Dragons have appointed Jonathan Westwood as head of recruitment, filling a role that has been vacant for over a year.

Westwood moves into the new job after being commercial director at the Rodney Parade club since 2018 and will work closely with head coach Dai Flanagan on recruitment and retention.

The 53-year-old played for Newbridge, Newport, Cardiff, Neath and Wales Under-21s before suffering a serious knee injury.

He followed in the footsteps of his father Keith by moving from playing into coaching with Abercarn, Newbridge and Cross Keys, where he was director of rugby when the Pandy Park club won the WRU National Cup in 2012.

The Dragons have been without a recruitment specialist since Rob Burgess left for Bath in the summer of 2023.

The appointment should take some of the strain off head coach Flanagan.

ROLE: Jonathan Westwood, right, will work closely with Dragons boss Dai Flanagan, left, on recruitmentROLE: Jonathan Westwood, right, will work closely with Dragons boss Dai Flanagan, left, on recruitment (Image: Dragons RFC)

“We’re really pleased that Jonathan is taking on this important role,” said Flanagan.

“His appointment is vital for the club as we look to elevate our recruitment and retention process going forward.

“We’re very aligned on the way forward and I’m looking forward to now working closely together with Jonathan in this area.”

Westwood, whose son Joe is a promising prospect in the Dragons’ midfield, is relishing his new role.

He said: “I’m delighted and flattered to be given the opportunity to work with Dai and the rugby department.

“I’m passionate about Gwent rugby and Dragons RFC and determined to help us deliver our recruitment and retention strategy moving forward.

“I owe a lot to this club, who have been extremely supportive to me personally over the seven years I have been here, and can’t wait to get stuck into my new role.”