Amlin Challenge Cup and Pro 12 League Welsh club Newport Gwent Dragons have appointed Dean Ryan as a rugby consultant for the region.

The former England back row is widely experienced, having played in the English Premiership with Saracens, Wasps, Newcastle and Bristol.

His coaching career saw him hold the reins at Gloucester Rugby for 5 years before moving into consultancy alongside his media career as a Sky Sports analyst.

Dragons Chief Executive Chris Brown said "We have a talented coaching team at Rodney Parade and the addition of Dean's expertise will only add to the quality we are looking to build on here at the Dragons.

"His experience of top flight rugby puts him in a position to offer support to our coaches and management. We are delighted to have him on board.