WHEN Shaun Connor left the Dragons in April he thought that he might not return to rugby, let alone lock horns with the Rodney Parade region in Gwent just six months later as part of the build-up to the World Cup.

The former fly-half from Blaina, who made 29 appearances for the Dragons between 2008 and 2010, left his role as backs coach at the end of last season.

Connor joined as academy skills coach in 2014, was promoted to first team duties by Lyn Jones and then worked as assistant to Kingsley Jones and Bernard Jackman.

But a torrid 2017/18, featuring a record low of just two Guinness PRO14 successes, took its toll on the affable 42-year-old, who was released at the end of his contract.

Yet Russia, and a timely offer from Lyn Jones, has helped Connor rediscover his love for rugby.

The ex-Ospreys boss landed the job as boss of the Bears in August and moved swiftly to get his former fly-half on the management team ahead of Japan 2019.

"When I left the Dragons I was unsure about whether I would stay in rugby," admitted Connor.

“I had probably lost all of my motivation but had a few months off and did a bit of work with Wales Sevens that helped to recharge my batteries.

“I was looking for something different and then lucky enough this opportunity came up. I jumped at the chance and next year was a massive incentive – it’s not often that you get the offer to coach at a World Cup. It’s been a great experience so far.”

The Jones regime started with a comprehensive 47-20 victory against Namibia in Krasnodar last weekend and next up is the Dragons at Bedwas on Friday night, a fixture to build towards a clash with Japan in Gloucester the following weekend.

“I didn’t expect to be coming back to the Dragons as quickly as I am but I look forward to it,” said Connor, who played for Abertillery, Newport, Ebbw Vale and Pontypool. “They've moved on, I have moved on and that's the way of the world.”

Bedwas’ Bridge Field is just the next step on the road towards Tokyo with Russia fresh from a three-week training camp, firstly in Sochi and then Krasnodar.

It has been a learning process for Jones, Connor and the players as they prepare for World Cup encounters with the hosts, Ireland, Scotland and Samoa.

South Wales Argus:

(Calling the shots: Russia boss Lyn Jones)

“It’s all about building towards the opening game of the tournament against Japan,” said the backs coach.

“A lot of what we implemented in the training camp came through against Namibia and we played some good stuff. We gifted them two tries at the end that made the scoreline look more respectable, but it was pleasing.

“We want to get the result against the Dragons and this is an opportunity to find out about more players. We will be making a few changes to give the chance for them to show Lyn what they can do.

“We played a good brand of rugby last weekend and want more of that. It’s just about making sure things come through from training.

“We are just looking to improve performances, firstly on this tour and then in the Six Nations. There will be tough challenges to come but it’s a building process to the World Cup.”

And that building process is testing the coaching skills of Jones, Connor and former Ospreys and Wales conditioning coach Mark Bennett.

“There is a language barrier but there are a few players and one of the coaches who speak fluent English,” said Connor.

“They translate for us but I think this has also made me think more about what I say as a coach – it’s not about having too many messages for players.

“You keep things concise and while in the UK it’s frowned up to demonstrate and show people how to do things it does sometimes help.”

With the Bears 19th in World Rugby’s rankings, most expect them to be cannon fodder in Pool A next year but the new management aim to get their charges believing in miracles.

“Russia have never won a game in the World Cup so the target has to be to get the players believing they can and then helping them go out and do it,” said Connor.

“At the last World Cup nobody gave Japan a chance of beating South Africa. Strange results can happen.”