NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are on the hunt for a new scrum coach after the shock departure of Iestyn Thomas.

The 36-year-old former Wales prop has quit Rodney Parade to pursue a career outside rugby.

Pontypool native Thomas, who won 33 caps, joined the Dragons from the Scarlets last summer after a neck injury brought an end to his playing career.

Working under forwards coach Rob Appleyard, his efforts at the set piece were starting to bear fruit towards the end of the campaign.

He arrived on a one-year deal but hopes of him building on that work have been ended after he told the Dragons that he wants to quit the sport to try his hand in business.

“Iestyn was doing a terrific job and was providing excellent support to our front row forwards, especially our props,” said director of rugby Robert Beale.

“His knowledge of the technical aspects of scrummaging was second to none having just finished playing himself.

“Iestyn has vast personal experience but combined that with a lot of research and had a really good rapport with the players.

“He was an innovative coach and we will miss him. It’s a blow to us but he has said rugby coaching is not for him at the moment and we wish him all the best.”

Thomas’ departure leaves them looking for their third set piece specialist in three seasons after Danny Wilson left in the 2012 close season to join the Scarlets.

One name sure to be put forward as a coaching option is iconic Dragons and former Wales forward Steve Jones, who was forced to retire because of a hip injury last month.

The 36-year-old worked as a mentor to the region’s young hookers while injured and has expressed a desire to move into coaching.

The Dragons have bolstered their front row for next season by signing Argentina tighthead Tetaz Chaparro and ex-Wales hooker Rhys Thomas.