NEWPORT Gwent Dragons legend Steve Jones is excited about the next chapter of his rugby career after landing a job at Gower College Swansea.

The 37-year-old former Wales hooker will become rugby officer and coach the team that play in the Welsh Rugby Union Elite Colleges League next term.

It is a fresh start for both Jones and the Dragons.

The five-times capped forward has been involved with the region since their inception, making a record 180 appearance since his 2003 debut and then helping out as set piece coach after retiring because of a hip injury last year.

But Jones, who was inducted into Welsh Rugby Players Association hall of fame last year, is relishing a change of scene.

"It's a new challenge and one that I am really looking forward to," said Jones. "I'll still be involved in rugby and I can't wait to get started.

"It's a similar set-up to the Dragons junior academies at Newport High School and Coleg Gwent and I'll be doing some lecturing so that hopefully over the next two years I can get my PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).

"I had 11 years with the Dragons and a change will be good, although I am sure I will head to Rodney Parade a few times to stop myself becoming an Ospreys supporter!"

"It was great to help out last year because I would have been pulling my hair out if I hadn't been involved in rugby after retiring. I am sure the Dragons will have a good season after making some good signings."

The region are now using former Scotland front row forward Bruce Douglas as a part-time scrum coach.

The 34-year-old played eight games for the region on loan from Bristol last season and is now player/coach with Cardiff RFC.

Douglas was a waterboy for the Dragons in their pre-season win against Bristol last weekend and will combine his role with the Blue and Blacks with helping out Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones.

"It's really good for me to have a front rower on board who has been there and done it," said former Wales flanker Jones.

"Bruce has come on board to help part-time with the scrum and we will see how he goes. So far the work he has done with the boys has been excellent."