The Dragons board have named former B&Q man Mike Davies as the region’s new managing director.

Cwmbran-born Mike joins the Dragons with more than 30 years’ experience in the retail sector for B&Q.

He held several senior leadership roles during his time at the multi-national DIY retail giant and has a proven track record in delivering results, as well as building and developing high-performing commercial teams.

His appointment will help the Dragons' ambitions to become a high-performing region in Welsh rugby, on and off the pitch.

Part of those ambitions is to create a sustainable, long-term business, via growing commercial revenues, dramatically expanding corporate sales and leveraging the marketing plan.

Now living in Monmouth, Mike will lead all the club’s commercial, marketing, community and finance operations at Rodney Parade.

Mike Davies said: “My roots are embedded in Gwent and I’m delighted to be joining the Dragons at this hugely exciting time for rugby in our region.

"This role combines my passion for Welsh rugby, and for sport generally, as well as for being able to offer customers the best experience in a very challenging business environment.

“I have been incredibly humbled by the level of support from fans and sponsors alike during a difficult period of transition.

"I understand that we will need to offer the best experience possible, so I would like to thank them for their support and I can’t wait to start building positive relationships over the coming months.

“David Buttress, the Dragons chairman, has set out an impressive vision for the Dragons which must be sustainable, and he has a heartfelt desire to engage with the whole of Newport and the wider Gwent community.

"I’m sure that we can engage with all our regional clubs in in order to get more people playing, enjoying and watching rugby.

“With my local knowledge and leadership experience, I’m looking forward to driving the organisation and working closely with the team, sponsors and fans to build something we can all be proud of, for years to come.”

Chairman David Buttress said: "We must improve every aspect of the organisation to be the best we can possibly be. We need to be bold, ambitious and relentless in our off field activities. We are determined, that over time we will become a positive example of commercial execution in professional rugby.

“We need to dramatically grow our revenues, as a result we need a strong leadership team who bring both experience and innovation, particularly in sales and marketing.

“As a board and organisation we are delighted to have secured Mike to lead our team, we know he will play an integral role in implementing our tactical plans and long-term strategy. We have a great deal to do in the coming years.”

The appointment completes the senior management recruitment process at Rodney Parade.