KINGSLEY Jones says Newport Gwent Dragons need to spend more money on their squad to improve their strength in depth after another heavy Guinness PRO12 defeat, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons are 10th in the table with just the two Italian clubs beneath them after shipping seven tries to Glasgow in a 47-17 loss at Scotstoun.

Jones’ men were looking for a response after a 54-22 home hammering by Leinster the previous weekend but were torn apart in a chastening second half.

The Dragons have been hunting for fresh backers since last April and the Welsh Rugby Union, currently 50 per cent stakeholders, are set to increase their involvement in running matters.

They currently spend below the £3.5million they are supposed to under the Rugby Services Agreement with the WRU and head coach Jones believes recent struggles hammer home the dire need for more financial backing on the playing and coaching staff at Rodney Parade.

“We need more depth and we need more investment, we know that, but we have to be a lot better with the group we have,” said the former Wales flanker.

“They are good boys who work hard but we can’t keep losing confidence and falling apart if we go a couple of scores behind.

“I’ve been waiting for some positive news with regards to the Dragons going forward for a long time but (chief executive) Stuart Davies is dealing with that, we just concentrate on the rugby.

“For the big picture, we need more depth and more experience, not just in terms of the playing. I’d love to have more depth in our coaching.

“We’ve got two young coaches in Ceri (Jones, forwards) and Shaun (Connor, backs) who work very hard but we need additions everywhere.”

The Dragons have a fortnight off before the final stretch of the season starts with a home clash with play-off hopefuls Ulster.

“We have got Ulster at home, Zebre and Edinburgh away, the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues,” said Jones. “We have our sights set on finishing above Edinburgh (two points ahead) but it’s been a poor few weeks.”