Australian rugby league World Cup-winning coach Chris Anderson was officially introduced as Newport Gwent Dragons head coach on Wednesday. Anderson, in his first job in the 15-man code, replaces Mike Ruddock after having his work permit finalised.
Dragons chief executive Andy Marinos, who played under him at Canterbury Bulldogs, praised the new recruit:
"Chris has signed a two-year contract and we are delighted to have such an experienced professional at the club."
Although his experience in union is minimal, Anderson, 50, has coached league sides Halifax in England and Canterbury and Melbourne in Australia, as well as taking charge of the Australian national side.
"Chris brings with him one of the greatest CVs in world rugby league as both a player and a coach over the past 35 years," Marinos added.
"He has played in all the great arenas, with some of the greatest teams of all time, and been the brains behind some of the most successful sides in both hemispheres.
"While rugby league has been his game, we feel he will bring the right kind of qualities to the Dragons to both challenge and improve our side.
"He is a proven winner on the rugby field and that is why we have brought him to Wales.
Chris is an excellent man-manager, a great organiser and knows how to prepare teams to win competitions - mentally, physically and tactically."
It has taken some time to find a replacement coach at Rodney Parade after previous incumbent Ruddock left to take up the Wales job last May.
The Dragons thought they had their man in Declan Kidney, but he then decided to remain in Ireland with Leinster.
Anderson will have former Wales assistant coach Leigh Jones acting as his right-hand man, while Wales Under-19 coach David Rees will coach the Newport semi-pro side and take up the post of Player Development Manager.
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Chris Anderson is a proven winner on the rugby field 
