FLY-HALF Rhys Jones has joined Newport with head coach Sven Cronk giving him licence to be as bossy as he wants.

Abergavenny-born Jones, the son of former Ebbw Vale captain and current Sale boss Kingsley, spent the last two seasons with the Cornish Pirates.

The 22-year-old has plenty of gas, an attribute proved by his selection for Wales sevens over the last two years, but it is his game management that caught the eye of Cronk.

“He has got a huge kicking game and will boss forwards around and give them direction,” said the head coach.

“That is something that we need, especially around half an hour into a game when you are looking for that control and at the end when players are tiring.

“We need a ten who can get us on the front foot. He has played at 12 and 15 but 10 is his position and his skill set has improved dramatically over the past few seasons and it will be good to have him around.”

Jones will form a highly-promising half-back partnership with Dragons Academy number nine Jonathan Evans.

The 17-year-old, who was playing for Bargoed seconds at the start of the season before shining for Pontypool in the Premiership, made an impressive debut for the Dragons in their final Magners League of the season against the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

He backed that up by starring for Newport in their play-offs games against Llanelli and Swansea.

The pair will be charged with getting a back line that will include centre Gareth Chapman flying.

The 30-year-old former Newport and Dragons man is returning to the Parade after three seasons and one title win with Cardiff.

The Blue and Blacks are signing a pair of Gwent centre/wings in Shaun Powell (Ebbw Vale) and Steve Taylor (Pontypool), opening the door for Chapman to add to his tally of 23 Newport tries.

“Chappy is probably one of the most consistent performers in the Premiership and will give us options in midfield and also cover on the wing,” said Cronk.

“He is a Newport boy who wanted to come back and we are delighted to have him back.”

Newport are finishing off the remainder of their recruitment but one man who is heading out is full-back Gareth Wyatt, who returning to his hometown club Pontypridd.

* Llyr Lane has rejoined Ebbw Vale as skills and conditioning coach. He will also provide scrum-half cover.

* Abergavenny and Penarth will lock horns in the Division Three promotion play-off at Cross Keys’ Pandy Park on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).