FORMER Wales and Lions lock Ian Evans has left his role as a member of Dean Ryan’s backroom team at the Dragons.

The 35-year-old joined the Rodney Parade region in 2018 a part of then head coach Bernard Jackman’s management team.

Evans, who cut his coaching teeth with Treorchy and Cross Keys, was brought in to assist forwards coach Ceri Jones with special responsibility for lineouts and restarts.

“I’ve enjoyed working at the Dragons, but it’s time for a fresh start. I would like to wish everyone at the Dragons all the best in the future,” said the 33-times capped forward, who toured Australia with the Lions.

South Wales Argus:

“We’d like to thank Ian for his hard work at the region over the last year and a half,” said director of rugby Ryan.

“He has been a popular member of the backroom team who I know is keen to broaden his coaching experience and take on new opportunities. We wish him well for the future.”

Jones remains as Dragons forwards coach with assistance from ex-Gloucester hooker/prop Olivier Azam, who has been passing on tips to the front row.

New boss Ryan is yet to add any permament members of staff to his team but Simon Cross is part-time defence coach, slotting in the role alongside his full-time job as head of rugby at Royal Grammar School in Worcester, while ex-England number eight Luke Narraway was brought in to be in charge of the Celtic Cup campaign.