Tomorrow night, the Dragons will be saying goodbye to forwards coach Leigh Jones. Leigh has been with the region since the inception of regional rugby and he has seen the progression of the Dragons as a region, as well as the development of individual forwards such as Danny Lydiate, Luke Charteris and Lewis Evans.
Leigh’s playing career was at hooker for Abertillery who he captained for two seasons. His coaching career started at Abertillery Youth followed by stints with Abertillery Seniors and Pontypool.
His professional coaching has seen him at Ebbw Vale and Wales A - who he steered to the Grand Slam before he became District A Director and part of the Welsh coaching team under Graham Henry.
Leigh coached Newport to Premiership success before taking over the assistant coaching job at the Dragons.
"Leigh has been a great servant to the Dragons and although we are sorry to see him leave, it is with the best wishes of us all that he takes up this new challenge. I have had the pleasure to work alongside him for several years and he has been a solid member of the coaching team during my time at the Dragons,” said Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner.
“When I decided to return to the region, Leigh was a key motivation for me coming back. I won’t miss him just for rugby but also as a friend.”
And although new horizons beckon, Leigh wll no doubt be keeping an eye on the Men of Gwent as the season unfolds. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with both Newport and the Dragons.
"I have been offered an opportunity to further my career and am grateful to the region for their understanding in allowing me to pursue this option.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the players and coaches I have had the chance to work alongside with both Newport and the Dragons, but especially the supporters who make the atmosphere at Rodney Parade so special and I wish the region all the very best for the rest of this season and those to come.”
Everyone at the Dragons would like to wish Leigh well with his new project and to thank him for his work and dedication over the years.
