Forwards coach Leigh Jones will leave the Dragons in the new year

Newport Gwent Dragons forwards coach Leigh Jones is to leave in the new year to become the Hong Kong Rugby Union's coach development manager.

The announcement came a year after Jones' ex-Dragons colleague Dai Rees took over as Hong Kong's head coach.

Jones was an assistant Wales coach under Graham Henry and has been at the Dragons since Wales' regions were born.

Head coach Paul Turner said: "Leigh goes with the region's best wishes. He and I go back a long way in rugby."

Jones stated: "I have been offered an opportunity to further my career and am grateful to the region for their understanding in allowing me to pursue this option.

"I am still very much a Dragon and remain totally focussed on our goals of successful campaigns in both the Magners League and the Heineken Cup this season."

606: DEBATE What do you make of Leigh Jones' move?

Turner added: "He [Jones] has been a close friend both on and off the field. He is a quality coach and I'm sure he will be a major success in his Hong Kong venture.

"He will certainly be missed around the Dragons environment and I personally wish him well for the future."

Dragons rugby manager Robert Beale said: "We recognise that releasing Leigh leaves a requirement to recruit a new forwards coach mid-season.

"But as we did with the departure of David Rees, we will take the time necessary to ensure that we have the right man for the job."

Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins stated: "He has been a key member of our coaching team, bringing a great deal of experience to the organisation.

"Although we are sorry to see him leave us, we wish him well with this new opportunity."

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