BERNARD Jackman has added another coach to his new-look Dragons management team by signing skills coach Barry Maddocks, writes Chris Kirwan.

Last week the head coach, who took the reins from Kingsley Jones in June, appointed South African Hendre Marnitz to take charge of the Rodney Parade region’s defence.

Now the Irishman has brought in Maddocks to join the management team that also includes forwards coach Ceri Jones, backs coach Shaun Connor and elite performance manager Huw Bevan.

The former Aberavon centre has arrived from Bath, where he was assistant academy manager, and he has previously coached the Wizards, England’s male and female sevens teams, Wales Under-16s and Hartpury College.

Jackman said: “Barry has been on my radar for a while as he is an outstanding skills coach.

“He is from Wales but has picked up valuable experience in England through working at both Hartbury and Bath.”

The Irishman has previously underlined his desire to have his coaches specialising on one main role and is thrilled to add to his staff.

Jackman said: “We need to make sure that all of our players, both young and old, have access to someone of his expertise to help them develop the all-round skill set that is required to play elite rugby.”

Meanwhile the Dragons have advertised jobs for academy head coach, a physiotherapist and rugby coordinator.

Last week it was confirmed that Richie Rees had left his role with the academy to return to Cardiff Blues while physio Kat Lenan moved to Wasps at the end of last season.

The Dragons have operated without a team manager since Sara Davies left for a role with the Welsh Rugby Union in the opening months of 2016/17.