FORMER Wales scrum-half Richie Rees is to join the Newport Gwent Dragons management team for the 2015/16 season.

The 31-year-old, who won nine caps for his country, will take up the role of academy skills coach as he focuses on bringing through the next generation of talent at Rodney Parade.

Rees’ on-field future is unclear but his new job looks like bringing to an end more than a decade of playing at the top of professional rugby.

The Swansea-born star started out at Dunvant RFC and Swansea RFC before joining the Ospreys, where he won the Magners League in 2004/05.

He moved on to London Irish, Cardiff Blues and Edinburgh before joining the Men of Gwent in 2013.

During the 2014/15 season Rees combined his role as a Dragons player, making 20 appearances, with taking up a position on the region's under-16s academy management team.

Speaking about his new role, Rees said: “The academy system is thriving and it’s great to be joining such a strong team where I believe I can add real value through both my own playing experiences and my academic background.

“The chance to influence the next generation of Dragons players is something that really excites me and I cannot wait to get started.

“James Chapron (academy manager) and Shaun Connor (backs coach) have done a very impressive job with the amount of players that have come through into the senior squad and I hope to continue their good work.

“The current academy players have got everything they could ask for to make them the best players they want to be with regards to facilities, coaches and support networks.

“I look forward to taking on my role within the team and particularly focusing on improving and challenging the players technical and tactical ability so they have to best possible chance to step up to the professional game.

“I am looking forward to working alongside James closely, whilst utilizing Shaun and his experience so that I can learn from him first hand.”

Academy manager Chapron added: “It is great to have a person with Richie’s experience come and work with our younger academy players.

“It is a challenging role that requires a great deal of commitment and hard work to get to know the players and people across our system.

“Richie will have to adjust from playing but I am sure he has the right characteristics to make this transition.”

Head of elite performance Huw Bevan said: “The skills, knowledge and experience Richie has gained in over 200 professional games will be of enormous benefit to the players in our pathway and compliment the excellent work already being delivered by James Chapron and his academy team.”