FORMER Dragons boss Paul Turner has signed a contract extension with English Championship new boys Ampthill.

The 59-year-old has been a leading figure in the Bedfordshire club’s rise up the league and will continue as head coach, working with director of rugby Mark Lavery.

READ MORE: Turner backs Sam Davies to get Dragons firing

The former fly-half was in charge at Rodney Parade between 2005 and 2011, while he has also had coaching roles with Sale, Bedford, Saracens, Gloucester, Harlequins and Wasps.

South Wales Argus: IN THE BEGINNING: Paul Turner becomes Dragons coach in 2005

He has been at Ampthill for seven years and helped them achieve three promotions to make it to England’s second tier where they are ready to lock horns with the likes of Newcastle, Bedford Biles, Ealing, Cornish Pirates and Nottingham.

“I am really pleased to have committed to Ampthill for a further period,” said Turner, who played for Crumlin, Newbridge, Newport, Bedford and Sale and won three caps for Wales.

“It has been a pleasure working with Mark Lavery throughout my time here and I am excited to continue our relationship as we move to the next stage of this project.

“The Championship is a highly competitive league and we understand the challenges it will present.

“However, we are look forward to the opportunity to compete against established and successful rugby clubs.”

Former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward and Nottingham scrum-half Darryl Veenedaal have joined the coaching team and will prosper from Turner’s knowhow.