FLY-HALF Matthew Jones has been released by Newport Gwent Dragons so that he can join Bristol’s promotion push.

The 27-year-old’s contact expired at the end of the season and a new deal was not in the offing so has been allowed to head to the west country with immediate effect.

Jones joined the Dragons from Worcester in 2010 and made 33 appearances for the region, his last being the Amlin Challenge Cup defeat at Perpignan a fortnight ago.

Dragons director of rugby Robert Beale said: "We would like to thank Matthew for his contribution at the Dragons and wish him luck for the rest of the season and the future."

Bristol are bidding to return to the Aviva Premiership after three seasons in the Championship.