MONMOUTH RFC are delighted to announce that former Wales skipper and top professional rugby coach Kingsley Jones has stepped in to assist with short-term coaching duties.

Head coach Dai Rees is thrilled, saying: ''It’s fantastic to have Kingsley join our senior coaching team at Monmouth.”

Having recently returned from Canada, where he was head coach of the national team for seven years, to settle back into his family home close to Monmouth, he is an undoubted asset for the club.

Dai added: “Kings is a special rugby man, full of character and has already had a huge impact with everyone at the club.”

Kingsley added: ''I'm delighted to give back to the grassroots of the sport I love.

“I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience and working with these young men of Monmouth to help improve their rugby skills and, hopefully, the team’s performance.”

Jones played 10 times for Wales from 1996 to 1998 and skippered the team once.

As a coach, he has been head coach and director of rugby at English Premiership side Sale Sharks and led Newport Gwent Dragons from 2014-17.

He was also head coach of Russia from 2011 to 2014.

While the 1st XV host Bedlinog on Saturday (October 18), Monmouth Druids host Risca Athletic.

Meanwhile, Usk RFC shared nearly 100 points away to Pontypool United in their WRU East 2 clash at the weekend.

In superb running conditions, the hosts ran out the winners though, 58-34, to go fourth, leaving Usk ninth with the one win from four games, although they’ll be hoping for better fortune at home to high-flying Rhymney this Saturday (October 18).

But Chepstow were weekend winners, mastering visitors Machen 28-21 to secure a third victory and go third in East 3.

And they face RTB Ebbw Vale away in their next fixture, who are currently seventh.