FLY-HALF Dorian Jones has left the Dragons and signed a two-year deal with Soyaux Angoulême in France, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 26-year-old had a season to run on his deal at Rodney Parade but after being a fringe figure under Bernard Jackman, who replaced his father Kingsley as head coach last summer, has opted to head for pastures new.

Jones came through the ranks at Sale Sharks and earned a Dragons deal thanks to his exploits with Ebbw Vale and then Cross Keys, making his debut against Wasps in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2013.

He made just six appearances in 2017/18, four of them starts, to take his tally for the region to 66 before moving to Worcester on loan for the Aviva Premiership run-in.

Jones impressed to help the Warriors beat the drop but his hopes of a full-time deal at Sixways were dashed by the signing of Scotland fly-half Duncan Weir.

Rather than return to be a bit-part player under Jackman, who has signed Josh Lewis and Jacob Botica to compete with Gavin Henson and Arwel Robson, Jones has taken the plunge and moved to France.

"I would just like to thank everyone who has supported and helped me along my career in Wales," said Jones.

"Being brought up and living in the heart of the region made it an extremely tough decision to leave the Dragons.

"I've always wanted to represent my home town of Ebbw Vale and region, the Dragons, and will always appreciate those who gave me the opportunity to do so.

"I now move on to a new challenge and the opportunity to play the sport that I love in France."

He will play in Pro D2 in Angoulême in the south west. The club were promoted to the second tier of French rugby in 2016 and have retained their status in the league by finishing fourth from bottom in both campaigns.

Jones will lock horns with the likes of Biarritz, Brive, Oyonnax, Beziers and Bayonne in France.