Pro12: NG Dragons head coach Darren Edwards departs

Head coach Darren Edwards

Newport Gwent Dragons head coach Darren Edwards has left the region with immediate effect.

The former Wales international joined the Dragons as backs coach under Paul Turner in June 2009.

Edwards, 39, became head coach after the departure of Turner in 2011.

"After five seasons my time with the Dragons has come to an end. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here working with some fantastic players," said Edwards.

Edwards stayed on at Rodney Parade when Lyn Jones was named as director of rugby in June 2013.

The former Ospreys boss return led to changes in the coaching set-up.

Previous director of rugby Robert Beale became team manager, Edwards remained as head coach and assistant Rob Appleyard left by mutual consent.

Jones left London Welsh to return to the Dragons, where he worked briefly as attack coach in 2008-09.

"In professional sport it is important that you continue to challenge yourself and develop and I have decided that now is the time for me to do that," said Edwards.

"In agreement with the Dragons, I am leaving at this stage of the season as it will enable me to spend time with my wife and young sons before moving onto my next challenge.

"It is good to see the Dragons in a healthy place and having a great win at Rodney Parade last Sunday."

Edwards, who also played for the club, ends a five-year coaching stint at Rodney Parade.

He won representative honours with Wales A, sevens, under-21, students and under-18.

Edwards made more than 100 appearances for London Irish and played for Bedford and London Welsh before ending his career at Leeds Carnegie.

"I would like to thank Darren for all of his hard work over the five years he has been here and I wish him all the best in his future ventures," said Dragons chief executive Gareth Davies.