Dragons Rugby Manager Announced

Robert - also Team Manager with Wales U20 squad for the IRB Junior World Championship - leaves the position of Director of Rugby at Principality Premiership side Cross Keys to join the region.

Known as 'Bonker' to most, he began his playing career at Risca, where he gained Wales U19 honours, and spent six years at Newbridge from 1979.

He has since coached at the clubs as well as with Ebbw Vale and Cross Keys before moving into the Director of Rugby role.

As player and coach in the region throughout his career, Robert is delighted to be appointed as Rugby Manager for the Newport Gwent Dragons. He said:

"I'm thrilled to accept the role of Rugby Manager and am looking forward to the challenge ahead. As well as the operational aspect to the role, I am enthusiastic about the region's objective to develop greater links with the clubs in the region and look after the future succession plan to ensure that young talent will emerge from the area.

He added: "This is a dream job for me. My time with Wales U20s has made me realise the direction that I wanted to take in my career and this opportunity is fantastic. It is one that I will take on wholeheartedly for the next three years and hopefully beyond.

"My affiliation with the Dragons goes back a long time and my association with Jim McCreedy and Paul Turner goes as far back as the playing field. I've a huge respect for both and am thrilled to step into the footsteps of Jim who has been a magnificent representative in the region throughout the years.

Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins is pleased to confirm that Jim McCreedy has been appointed to the Dragons' Board. He said:

"I am delighted that Robert has agreed to become the Dragons Rugby Manager. His experience of Gwent rugby will be important as he combines the operational aspect of the role as well as overseeing the long term development of the team's emerging talent and succession plan."

He added: "This is a key appointment in our growth and development as a region and I would like to place on record our thanks to Cross Keys RFC for their support.

"Secondly I am pleased that we have been able to retain Jim McCreedy whose knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow."