TRIPLE Grand Slam winner Ryan Jones has pledged that the Welsh Rugby Union will throw their full weight behind Bernard Jackman to help the new Dragons boss win “hearts and minds” around the region.

Former Wales captain Jones, who won 75 caps and played for the Lions in New Zealand 12 years ago, is now head of participation with the governing body.

Through that role the 36-year-old, who went to Bassaleg School and first played the game at Risca Youth, will be looking to reinforce the efforts made by Jackman to improve the Dragons’ on-field fortunes.

The WRU’s first major move after taking control at Rodney Parade was to appoint the ex-Ireland hooker as head coach.

Jones believes it’s a good fit – and has vowed to help the Dragons attract the next generation to Rodney Parade by putting the work in around Gwent.

“Bernard can be the inspirational leader who will bring through a new breed of Welsh talent in the area and galvanise the 73 clubs in the region in support of the Dragons, but he will need and receive help from all quarters,” said the former back row forward.

“Everyone involved with the region knows that the clubs in the surrounding areas and their associated supporters, players and staff are the key to long-term sustainable success and we will be doing everything in our power to engage with them and make a real and positive difference to the Dragons’ offering in this area.

“In my own role with the WRU we will be looking to ramp up the good work already done by Dragons staff in surrounding rugby communities and really drive participation in the game, through provision in schools and significant extra work with clubs.

“We are looking at summer camps and events throughout the season, as well as the match-day offering at Rodney Parade in support of the amateur and community game.

“Bernard and his team will have a vital role to play as we aim to win over more hearts and minds to the Dragons cause and I know he is both fully supportive and excited, as we all are, about the future ahead.”

Jackman and Jones famously locked horns when Wales won the Grand Slam in 2008, the Irishman giving away a silly penalty by shoulder-charging the Welshman in the back during Triple Crown clincher at Croke Park.

“I know Bernard Jackman of old, from our time as players, and he was always a fearsome competitor, but also a great student of the game and you don’t come with high recommendation from someone like Warren Gatland unless you have earned it,” said Jones.

“It is vital that the Dragons engage with fans, players and communities right across the region.

“We know we need to increase the reach, bring new audiences, re-engage with existing ones and re-ignite passions and the head coach and his squad will be an integral part of our strategic approach to that engagement as we move forwards together.

“Bernard’s appointment comes at an extremely exciting time for any coach, with the full resource of the Welsh Rugby Union in support, and I have no doubt that they have found the right man for the job.

“A new pitch and improved facilities will help breathe new life into the players and there is so much optimism both at Rodney Parade and here at the Union surrounding the Dragons at the moment.”