COACH Alan Kingsley says the Dragons management will just keep 'putting their shoulders to the wheel' while waiting for news about their new boss, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Rodney Parade region's board are currently hunting a permanent replacement for Bernard Jackman, who was sacked in December after 18 months at the helm.

Forwards coach Ceri Jones has been caretaker boss with backs coach Barry Maddocks, assistant forwards coach Ian Evans, skills coach Kingsley and academy manager James Chapron helping for the games against Clermont Auvergne, Cardiff Blues, the Ospreys and Scarlets.

The group will continue calling the shots until Jackman's successor is appointed, a matter impacted by the four regions' talks with the Welsh Rugby Union over a fresh deal and budgets.

"It's part of the job, it's the first time that I have ever experienced a coach being sacked but there are other people in the building who have," said the former half-back. "As a coaching group you just have to put your shoulder to the wheel and everyone works hard.

"Obviously Bernard was a massive figure around the place and is missed. It's disappointing when anyone gets sacked in any walk of life but it's part and parcel of the trade that we are in.

"It's something that unfortunately is in front of us all if we stay in the game long enough."

Kingsley was appointed by ex-Ireland hooker Jackman but his compatriot's departure hasn't changed the former Leinster age-grade coach's plans.

"I moved here for the opportunity with the Dragons of a senior coaching role, which I didn't have back in Ireland," said Kingsley, who is attack coach for the region's A team.

"I still see my future in Wales for as long as I want to stay here; we've moved the family over and plan on staying for as long as we are invited whether that's a two-year deal, four years or however long."

And Kingsley feels that he is starting to see the fruits of his labour with the squad on the training pitch in Ystrad Mynach.

"Our kicking game has improved week on week from the start of the season," he said. "Our kickers are a lot more comfortable and know when they are making mistakes so they can self-correct on the pitch.

"The last few weeks our kicking game has been quite strong, so there is definitely an improvement."