NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have placed a heavy emphasis on the scrum as they close in on a new forwards coach.

The region have drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements for ex-forwards coach Danny Wilson, who is leaving for a job with the Scarlets.

The Dragons will appoint a scrum specialist and director of rugby Robert Beale and head coach Darren Edwards are meeting with a leading candidate this week.

The new arrival does not have to be Welsh or already be in the WRU system, as Rob Appleyard was before becoming defence coach.

"We want it sorted as soon as possible and I am confident that an appointment will happen pretty quickly," said Edwards.

"We have drawn up our shortlist and the first and most important job requirement is that they are a scrum specialist.

"Danny did some great work with our young front row at the set piece and the new coach has to pick up where he left off."

The Dragons are also busy with their on-field recruitment and should have some signings complete in the coming weeks with bolstering their tight five a priority.

An experienced tighthead prop will be brought in with the aim of them easing the workload on the inexperienced pair of Nathan Buck and Dan Way and helping in their development.

The pair shouldered the burden this season after the retirements of New Zealanders Nigel Hall and Ben Castle while Bedwas prop Keiron Jenkins, who will play for Pontypridd next season, also made six appearances.