Dragons bring in new backs coach

Darren Edwards hopes to help develop the Dragons' young players

Newport Gwent Dragons have brought in a new backs coach, signing Maesteg-born Darren Edwards from Harlequins on a two-year deal.

The 35-year-old has been coaching at Quins since he retired from playing in 2008, and is also part of the Wales Under-18 coaching team.

Edwards began his senior playing career with Saracens in 1996 and joined Newport in 2000, playing 21 times.

"I feel I can have a positive impact at Rodney Parade," he said.

Edwards also played for London Irish, Bedford - where he partnered new boss Paul Turner at half-back - London Welsh and Leeds.

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A member of the 2003 Wales squad, he won representative honours with Wales A, Sevens, Under 21, Students and Under 18 and also played for the Barbarians in games against England, Scotland and Wales.

Edwards added: "There is a lot of exciting young talent at the Dragons.

"It's all about nurturing the young talent and as a young coach I feel I understand how to identify and get the best out of these young players.

"I think coaching has changed over the years and today it is much more about developing players to give them confidence to perform to their full potential."

Turner said: "We were able to look at several top-rate candidates for this role and it was very important to us to take the opportunity to bring another Welsh coach to the Dragons."