Anderson crosses codes to join Dragons

Newport Gwent Dragons have appointed Australian Rugby League boss Chris Anderson as their new coach.

Anderson replaces Mike Ruddock, who left four months ago to become head coach of Wales.

For 53-year-old Anderson it is an astonishing challenge, given that he has never been in charge of a rugby union team in his life, despite spending 35 years as a coach and player in the 13-a-side code.

The man who guided the Kangaroos to a 3-0 Ashes Test Series win over Great Britain last year and who was also at the helm of the Australia side that won the World Cup in 2000 admitted: “It’s like starting again.”

Anderson, who is still currently embroiled in a legal battle over his exit from Aussie Club Cronulla Sharks last year added: “I think it is a good challenge that I have to win over the sceptics who question the appointment.

“If there is no pressure on the job, then it would be concerning.

“I had the same at Halifax (rugby league club as player coach in 1984) where they spat at me for the first three or four weeks but I knuckled down and won them over and I like the fact that here they are a good, passionate crowd.”

The Dragons have also announced that star South African back Percy Montgomery will be with them for the next three seasons.

Montgomery, currently in South Africa with the Springboks, has served two years of his current contract but has extended it to 2007.

Chief executive Andy Merinos said: “This is great news for the Dragons because Percy has become a bit of a talisman for the team.

“His commitment to the cause has been fantastic and was underlined by the fact that he played in three different positions last season.

“What it does to the region is it gives a lot of credibility to the club. It just shows how he feels about us.”

The Dragons also announced that flanker and Welsh international Jason Forster will be the club’s captain for next season.