FORMER Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman has returned to rugby with a role in Irish club rugby, writes Chris Kirwan.

The former Ireland and Leinster hooker has taken up a role with Bective Rangers FC in Dublin.

Jackman has been working as a pundit on television and radio since being sacked by the Rodney Parade region in December.

The 43-year-old headed to the Dragons as head coach in the summer of 2017 after previously being with Grenoble in France.

Now he has joined Bective, who play at Donnybrook in Leinster League Division 1A.

“I’m excited for this new challenge and can’t wait to get started”, said Jackman. “I always found Bective to be a club with great people and having helped out the squad at the end of the season I think they have the potential for future success”.

Jackman was brought in by the Welsh Rugby Union but was dismissed by the Dragons halfway through his three-year contract.

He oversaw dramatic off-field change but struggled to produce the goods on it with a record of P44, W11, L31, D2.

The Dragons confirmed Dean Ryan as his replacement on Tuesday, albeit with a title of director of rugby rather than head coach.

- Former Dragons wing/full-back Tom Prydie has signed a contract extension with the Scarlets.

The 27-year-old moved west in 2017 after being released by the Rodney Parade region and has made 32 appearances.

Prydie earned a Test recall and took his tally of caps to seven by featuring against South Africa and Argentina last summer.

His fellow backs Steff Hughes and Paul Asquith have also earned fresh deals.