The Crusaders have confirmed the appointment of former Wales wing Mark Jones as an assistant coach on a two-year deal.

Jones played for the Scarlets for 12 years and also represented Wales at U18, U19 and U20 level before making his Test debut in 2001. He earned 47 international caps.

His coaching credentials include a stint as Scarlets attack coach between 2010 and 2015, Wales attack coach during their Six Nations Grand Slam campaign in 2013 and more recently Namibia attack coach at the 2019 World Cup.

Jones joins the Crusaders backroom staff in the specialist role of assisting with team defence and position-specific player development. He will also fill the same role for Canterbury in the New Zealand Provincial Cup.

‘This is a fantastic opportunity for me to continue my development as a coach, with organisations that are highly regarded worldwide as setting a benchmark in provincial and Super Rugby,’ he said.

‘It’s a big step for myself and my family to move to New Zealand, but the chance to be involved in the game at grassroots level through to Super Rugby, and work alongside world-class coaches and players at Rugby Park, was too good to miss. I’m looking forward to contributing my own ideas to these two great organisations,’ he explained.

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson added: ‘We believe Mark is going to provide a real point of difference to the Crusaders, with his northern-hemisphere skill set and extensive game knowledge. I’m confident he’ll connect quickly with our playing group and will be a huge asset over the next two seasons.’

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