Jones will take up his role at an Abu Dhabi school in August

Newport Gwent Dragons attack coach Lyn Jones is to make a shock exit to take up a role in an Abu Dhabi school.

Ex-Ospreys head coach Jones joined the Dragons in November 2008 in a temporary consultancy role and signed an 18-month deal with them in early January.

But he will move again at the end of the season, this time to be director of rugby at British School Al Khubairat.

A Dragons statement read: "Lyn... will be moving to Abu Dhabi to allow Lyn to take up the appointment in August."

Jones said: "In recent months, I've received a number of extremely attractive offers from both the worlds of business and rugby.

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"Most recently, being part of the coaching set-up of the Newport Gwent Dragons provided me with a great opportunity to help a team that continues to develop and grow.

"There's nothing quite like being a part of an organisation developing talent and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved from within and, with the Dragons, it's been a chance to play an active part in assisting a team very much on the rise.

"My current contract with the Dragons, however, has a mutual break clause at the end of this season which I have chosen to activate to take up a new position overseas.

"The opportunity offered by BSAK gives us a chance as a family to broaden our horizons, experience a new culture and for me to take on a new challenge in expanding my career.

Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins said: "We'll be disappointed to see Lyn leave the Dragons.

"I know the playing, coaching and backroom teams have all enjoyed working with him and he's been a tremendous influence to all at Rodney Parade.

"However, we all fully respect Lyn's desire to grasp this opportunity not only for him but also his family and we wish well for the future."

Paul Coackley, BSAK school principal said: "At the British School Al Khubairat, participation in physical education and sport is viewed as an integral part of a pupils' experience and we are delighted that Lyn Jones is joining us as director of rugby.

"Lyn is one of the UK and Europe's top rugby coaches and the skills he has shown in developing the Ospreys into one of Europe's best sides are a credit to him."

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