FORMER Worcester Warriors defence coach Simon Cross has joined Welsh Guinness Pro 14 side the Dragons, to support the coaching team during pre-season.

The move will see Cross once again join forces with Dragons Director of Rugby, Dean Ryan, for a second spell after they previously worked together at Warriors, with Cross appointed defence coach at Sixways in 2013.

Speaking to the Dragons' website Ryan, Worcester coach between 2013-16, said: “We’ve identified we needed to add more support around the coaching group across pre-season.

“Having worked with Simon before I know the coaching expertise he brings to a team, around defence.

“From the end of July, the academy players will train with the seniors, as we step up preparations ahead of the Celtic Cup fixtures which begin towards the end of August.”

Ex-Edinburgh captain Cross, 38, retired from playing in 2010.

He was part of the Scotland Under-20 set-up in 2012/13 as defence coach and involved with Glasgow Warriors during Scotland's autumn and Six Nations internationals in 2012, before joining Worcester for five seasons.

Cross has also worked in the Midlands for National 1 division side Birmingham Moseley as head coach and is head of rugby at Worcester Royal Grammar School.

He previously worked as head coach at Edinburgh Accies guiding them to the top-flight of Scottish club rugby and earning a place in the British & Irish Cup, and whilst at Worcester he was also Birmingham Moseley head coach until 2018.