DRAGONS director of rugby Dean Ryan has once again turned to former club Worcester Warriors for reinforcements – this time in the coaching department.

Former Edinburgh captain Simon Cross has joined the Dragons to support the coaching team during pre-season.

He will be linking up with Ryan for a second spell after the pair previously worked together at Worcester, with Cross appointed defence coach at Sixways in 2013.

The 38-year-old has carved out a reputation as one of the most talented young Scottish coaches since his retirement from playing in 2010.

Ryan said: “We’ve identified we needed to add more support around the coaching group across pre-season.

“Having worked with Simon before I know the coaching expertise he brings to a team, around defence.

“From the end of July, the Academy players will train with the seniors, as we step up preparations ahead of the Celtic Cup fixtures which begin towards the end of August.”

A flanker during his playing days, Cross was defence coach for Scotland Under-20 in 2012/13 as, while he worked with Glasgow Warriors during the 2012 Six Nations and autumn internationals.

Cross, who also played for Wasps and Waterloo, then moved to Worcester.

He previously worked as head coach at Edinburgh Accies, guiding them to the top-flight of Scottish club rugby and earning a place in the British & Irish Cup.

While at Sixways, Cross, currently head of rugby at Royal Grammar School Worcester, was also Birmingham Moseley head coach until 2018.

News of his link-up with the Dragons comes hot on the heels of the Rodney Parade outfit signing Worcester scrum-half Luke Baldwin o n a season-long loan.