FORMER Dragons boss Kingsley Jones has been named as head coach of Canada – with the aim of earning a shot at Wales in the World Cup.

Jones was replaced by Bernard Jackman in the Rodney Parade hotseat in the summer and took up a role with the Welsh Rugby Union’s exiles programme.

However, the 48-year-old from Blaina will instead take charge of the Canucks after they sacked Mark Anscombe in August when they lost to the USA in the play-offs for the World Cup.

Jones will now attempt to help Canada book a place at Japan 2019 by beating Uruguay in a home and away series next year.

If they do that then they will join Wales, Australia, Georgia and Fiji in Pool D while defeat would leave them needing to qualify in the repechage.

"I am delighted to accept this role with Rugby Canada and I'm excited to meet the players and staff and begin preparation for an important period for the team,” said Jones, who has previously coached Russia.

“My family and I are very much looking forward to moving to Canada and immersing ourselves in the culture and all the country has to offer.

“Every coach wants to work at the highest level and compete on the world stage, I’m grateful for the opportunity and very much looking forward to working with this group of talented and committed players.

“Our immediate priority is attaining qualification for RWC2019, this is critical.”

Canada face the Maori All Blacks in Vancouver in November before taking on Georgia, Spain and Fiji in Europe over the autumn.