Done deal.

Former England international Dean Ryan has today been appointed as Director of Rugby at Welsh PRO14 side the Dragons.

The 52-year-old – who becomes a Board member of the organisation as part of this brand-new position – is fully responsible for all rugby matters on and off the pitch and will contribute to the wider strategic direction of the Dragons long-term.

Ryan will take up his new role this summer from the RFU, where he has been Head of International Player Development since 2016.

“It was always going to take a unique challenge to bring me back in to the club environment and following my discussions with David Buttress and the WRU I’m hugely excited about what lies ahead.” Ryan said

“I will take a hands-on role with the playing department and use my influence as a Board member to address various issues so that the Dragons are set up from top to bottom to ensure everything is geared around the on-field and off-field success of the region.”

As Director of Rugby of Gloucester for four years from 2005, under Ryan the Cherry and Whites lifted the European Challenge Cup in 2006 before reaching the Premiership Final in 2007, also finishing top of the table in 2008 and making the European Cup quarter-finals.

Ryan was a respected analyst for Sky Sports and spent a brief spell at Gwent as a consultant to the Dragons in 2012, before three seasons as Director of Rugby at Worcester Warriors, leading the Sixways side to promotion back to the English top-flight at the first time of asking, as well as winning the British & Irish Cup in 2015.