Simon Cross, former captain of Edinburgh Rugby, has established a reputation as one of the most talented young coaches from Scotland since his retirement from playing.

He was a crucial part of the Scotland Under-20 set-up as Defence Coach and was also involved with coaching Glasgow Warriors during Scotland's autumn and Six Nations internationals in 2012.

Cross had also been Head Coach at Edinburgh Accies for three seasons, guiding them to the top-flight of Scottish rugby in the 2010/2011 season and fourth place in the RBS Premiership in 2012/13, earning a place in the British & Irish Cup.

A former flanker during his playing days, Cross moved to Sixways with the Worcester Warriors to link up with Director of Rugby at the time, Dean Ryan, who was alerted to his progress while working as Scotland's Forwards Coach.

Ryan now Director of Dragons rugby in South Wales brough Cross with him to Newport and appointed the former Warriors coach as the new defensive mind at the Dragons ahead of the 2020/2021 season.