Jones' knowledge invaluable for Newcastle - Dickens

Newcastle Red Bulls will only improve their attack under the guidance of Stephen Jones when the ex-Wales fly-half takes up his new post, says head coach Alan Dickens.

Jones arrives at Kingston Park next month as senior assistant coach to Dickens with responsibility for the Red Bulls' backs and attacking play.

Having a player with more than 100 caps for his country and the British & Irish Lions, as well as a vast coaching pedigree, will only benefit Newcastle, says Dickens.

"The news was well received, people were happy about it," Dickens told BBC Sport.

"No doubt Stephen will come in, make his mark and we'll improve as we go through the season."

Newcastle have lost all five Prem games this season, and have not picked up a single point.

Their scoring tallies of 70 points and 10 tries are comfortably the lowest in the league as they sit bottom.

So Jones, whose most recent job has been with Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby in New Zealand, will work alongside Dickens as they look to improve that aspect of the Red Bulls' game.

"Stephen has a wealth of experience, certainly as a player and with various jobs within the isles and then recently in New Zealand," Dickens said.

"It was something we highlighted about six or seven weeks ago, adding to the coaching group and it's brilliant that we've gone out and got someone of his calibre."