Chief Executive Stuart Davies confirmed,
“Kingsley is highly respected by this group of players, his coaching peers in Wales and the wider rugby fraternity, and we absolutely feel that he is the right man to take charge of the team. His appointment as Head Coach though, rather than Director of Rugby, means that we will be reviewing the roles and responsibilities of the wider management team, whilst Kingsley and I will also discuss bolstering the coaching team to add further support, skills and experience.”
The 46-year-old joined the Men of Gwent in 2013 as assistant coach, in a combined role whilst also overseeing the National Russian team. In 2014, Jones took up his current position as Head Coach of the Welsh region.
During his coaching career Jones has been involved at Doncaster Knights, where he spent one season as a player coach, before moving to Sale Sharks as forwards coach. He was later promoted to Head Coach before moving into the role of Director of Rugby. During his seven years with Sale they won the European Shield in 2005 and the Guinness Premiership in 2006. In 2011 Jones was appointed as Head Coach of Russia, leading them to the 2011 World Cup and to the final stages of 2015 Rugby World Cup European qualifiers.
As a product of rugby in Gwent, Jones won 10 caps for Wales, captaining them on one occasion. He also captained Ebbw Vale RFC, Worcester Warriors and Gloucester Rugby.
Speaking about his appointment, Jones commented,
“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Region.
“I am very proud of the fact that I was born and bred in this passionate rugby area, and it means a huge amount to me to be given this responsibility. Despite the frustrations of this season, I have no doubt about the potential and ability within the squad, and I am looking forward to the new season with excitement and enthusiasm.”
