DAVID Rees, the Wales Under-21 coach formerly in charge at Premier Division Cross Keys, is the new coach of Newport Rugby Club.

Newport are still declining to make a formal announcement, but it is understood Rees has already begun supervising training.

The former Newport, Newbridge and Wales A outside half has been linked with Rodney Parade ever since quitting Keys two months ago because of the pressure of work.

With last season's Newport coach Leigh Jones taking over as No 2 at Newport Gwent Dragons to newly appointed Australian chief coach Chris Anderson, Rees has accepted the offer to take over last season's Welsh Premier Division champions.

It is understood he will also have a development role with the Dragons Academy and that veteran Newport prop Sven Cronk will act as his assistant player-coach

Rees has not been available to take Argus calls in recent days, but it has been known for some time that he had been in talks with Newport and had shaken on a deal weeks ago.

It is believed Rees is taking over on a part-time basis at Newport while still retaining his management post at Coleg Gwent's Nash College campus.

But there had been talk of his assuming a skills role with the Dragons and/or taking over the running of the Academy structure and becoming a full-time professional coach.

Rees had ten successful seasons at Cross Keys, almost always keeping them in the top six in the old First Division on a tight budget.

He took them to the title and to promotion to the old Premier Division years ago and to competition in Europe in the Parker Pen Shield.

While they were still a First Division club, he also took them to a Schweppes Cup semi-final and he is highly-regarded, not only as a coach but also for finding and developing young talent.

He has a wide range of contacts in the game and with his commitment to modern rugby will ensure Newport continue to play the attractive style which attracted average gates of around 3,000 last season.