Dragons and Bernard Jackman part ways

The Dragons have parted company with head coach Bernard Jackman after losing 31 of his 44 matches in charge of the Welsh region.
The Irishman’s exit brings to an end an 18-month stay at Rodney Parade where he was unable to turnaround the club’s fortunes.
Forwards coach Ceri Jones is to take interim charge of first-team matters ahead of the trip to play Clermont Auvergne at fortress Stade Marcel Michelin.
“I would like to place on record our gratitude to Bernard Jackman for his dedication and hard work in his role as head coach,” club chairman David Buttress told the club’s official website.
“Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity to create future success on the pitch.”
Dragons have conceded a total of 107 points in their last two matches, and they travel to France to face one of European rugby’s most unbeatable teams on home soil in Clermont.
Earlier this decade, Vern Cotter coached Clermont to a 77-game unbeaten run.
Jackman commented: “I would like to thank the WRU and the board for the opportunity at the Dragons and I believe that there is a bright future for the region.”
Only the Southern Kings lay below the Dragons in Conference B of the PRO14, where a lowly haul of 156 points is the second lowest in the league.