NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have promoted Shaun Connor to the role of backs coach.

The former fly-half, who made 29 appearances for the region between 2008 and 2010, returned to Rodney Parade in October as an academy skills coach and has been doing some work with the seniors alongside director of rugby Lyn Jones and head coach Kingsley Jones.

But now Connor, from Blaina, will concentrate solely on helping the first team and has signed a contract until the end of the 2016/17 season.

He will be charged with unleashing the potential of a back line that includes young Wales internationals Hallam Amos and Tom Prydie along with Test hopefuls Tyler Morgan and Jack Dixon.

The Dragons have not had a permanent backs coach since Darren Edwards left last February and Connor is relishing the chance to devote all his attention to the role.

"One of the major reasons for me coming back to the Dragons was the chance of involvement working with the senior players with Lyn and Kingsley," said Connor.

"It's gone well and I had worked with a lot of these backs through my previous role with Wales Under-18s so knew the depth of talent that is here.

"They are still young kids and are still learning so it's up to me to help speed their development up and improve their consistency of performance."

The 39-year-old was on the region's management team after retiring in 2010 but left for a job with the Welsh Rugby Union based at the Ospreys two years later.

"When I was here last time I probably wasn't doing enough coaching or have enough say in what I was delivering," said Connor, who had been part of the coaching team at the Dragons' home games this season but not on their travels.

"It's a totally different set-up now and I can only get better as a coach from feeding off Lyn and Kingsley's knowledge and experience.

"I'd like to think that I've got a feel for what a player is going through, ups and downs. I've only been retired a few years and I know what it takes to play well and what it's like to not be selected."

The Dragons are in the process of finding a replacement for Connor as academy skills coach.