Newport Gwent Dragons have announced Colin Charvis will take over as forwards coach until the end of the current season.

The former Wales backrower and captain replaces Leigh Jones, who has left the Magners League side to take up a role with the Hong Kong Rugby Union as a coach development manager.

Charvis, Wales' most capped forward, is already the club's defence coach and will expand his role to take on the extra responsibility.

The news comes just a week after head coach Paul Turner, who has overseen steady improvement at the Rodney Parade outfit since taking over in 2005, committed his future to the region by signing a new two-year contract.

The Dragons currently lie sixth in the Magners League table ahead of tomorrow's home clash with the Scarlets.

"I think that we have achieved above expectation this season and I'm keen to continue that as part of the coaching team," said Charvis.

"Leigh has achieved a lot over the last few years and, having shadowed him closely, this is a great opportunity for me to take on the role as forwards coach and continue what the coaching team has implemented so far.

"We are very lucky to have a couple of forwards with international experience so hopefully things should carry on running pretty smoothly."