Tuesday 14 May 2019 13:40, UK
Dean Ryan has joined Dragons as director of rugby in a move that will see him leave his role as the Rugby Football Union's head of international player development.
Ryan, whose club coaching career includes spells at Worcester, Gloucester and Bristol, will depart the post he has held at Twickenham since 2016 this summer.
As part of the job, Ryan will take up a seat on the Dragons' board and is responsible for all rugby matters on and off the pitch.
Ryan said: "It was always going to take a unique challenge to bring me back into the club environment and, following my discussions with (Dragons chairman) David Buttress and the Welsh Rugby Union, I'm hugely excited about what lies ahead.
"I will take a hands-on role with the playing department and use my influence as a board member to address various issues, so that the Dragons are set up from top to bottom to ensure everything is geared around the on-field and off-field success of the region."
Ryan, 52, filled the role of rugby consultant for the Dragons during the 2012-13 season.
RFU director of professional rugby Nigel Melville said: "I'd like to thank Dean for his commitment to developing the next generation of players and coaches during his time at the RFU.
"Dean's innovative approach to coach development has enabled a number of young Premiership coaches to coach at international level and for some of our younger players to experience unique leadership challenges that will benefit them in the future.
"We wish Dean every success in his new role at Dragons."
