EBBW Vale have backed Ceri Jones to be a hit at Rodney Parade after their forwards coach earned a role with Newport Gwent Dragons, writes Chris Kirwan.

The former Wales prop, who had also been working at Worcester as a scrum guru and academy coach, is now in charge of the Dragons pack.

Jones will work alongside head coach Kingsley Jones, backs coach Shaun Connor and elite performance manager Huw Bevan, leaving the Steelmen after helping them win the Principality Premiership title.

Chairman Jonathan Jones said about the 38-year-old from Usk, who headed to Eugene Cross Park in February, 2015: "The professionalism and expertise brought with him has been a key part of our continued development over the recent seasons, making our forwards the most feared in the semi- professional game in Wales.

"As befits his farming background, Ceri's appetite for hard work at the club has been immense as he combined his role with a demanding academy position at Worcester Warriors.

"Ceri's appointment has been made in full consultation with Ebbw Vale and we are sure that Ceri, a man steeped in Gwent rugby through his own playing career and his father, who starred for both Ebbw Vale and Newport, will go on to be a success in his new role adding 'steel' to the region's forward platform.

"We thank him for his contribution to our success and look forward to working with him in his new role in the coming seasons."

After recently seeing Jason Strange move on to the Welsh Rugby Union, Geraint Lewis earn a role at the governing body via Pontypridd and Duane Goodfield head to Cardiff Blues, Ebbw now intend to bring in another ambitious coach to work under boss Nigel Davies.

"The search for a replacement coaches is one that we are well versed in," said Jones. "Nigel Davies and I will look to ensure that we once again bring in the correct person to continue the development of the club."

Jones' arrival means that the services of former Scotland prop Bruce Douglas, who had been a part-time scrum coach, are no longer required.