DRAGONS chairman David Buttress has set the challenge of giving head coach Bernard Jackman more resources to spend on his team after announcing three directors who will join him on a new board.

The Welsh Rugby Union took over the Rodney Parade region in the summer and appointed the former chief executive and co-founder of Just Eat UK in September.

The 40-year-old was charged with establishing his own board and he has now brought David Reynolds, a former financial analyst and royal marine, in along with two senior figures from the governing body.

Ian Jeffery is the current WRU board representative for Gwent and a director of Persimmon Homes while Steve Phillips is the Union’s finance director.

The Dragons have been hindered by a meagre playing budget and the chairman knows the heat is on to improve off the field so they can prosper on it.

“The new Dragons board has strong independent representation sitting alongside key WRU personnel and is reflective of how aligned we are at senior level,” said Buttress..

“Our collective primary purpose is to build a great example of regional rugby both on and off the pitch and we are united in this aim.

“We will be continually engaging with supporters, players, coaches the local rugby clubs around the region as we look forward to a new era and we will be directly addressing issues such as the redevelopment of Rodney Parade, growth in commercial revenues and new partnerships which are critical for the Dragons, in the coming months.”

“I have known David (Reynolds) for a number of years from his time as a top financial analyst in the City and he brings with him drive, expertise and business acumen which will be a great asset to the Dragons,” he continued.

“It is obviously important to us to ensure that the WRU, after taking ownership of the Dragons and Rodney Parade, is represented at board level and in Steve and Ian we have two individuals who are highly respected through the game and the business world.”

Reynolds, now chief financial officer at technology company Brandwatch, said: “Our next step is to grow a comprehensive and cohesive strategy to build a strong commercial sporting enterprise in the region.”

l The Dragons’ Anglo-Welsh Cup clash with the Scarlets at Rodney Parade has been confirmed as Friday, November 17 (kick-off 7.30pm).