The Bargoed-born No 10 finished as the second top points scorer in this season’s Principality Premiership with 307 points, including an 87 point haul in April and finished the regular league season just eight points behind Aberavon’s Matthew Jarvis, although his 20 points in the British & Irish Cup play-off final takes him past that mark. His kicking helped Cross Keys clinch their sixth placed league finish and the final Welsh spot in next season’s cross-border competition by beating Newport last Thursday.
Jones also earned a place in the Dragons’ squad for their last two games of the season, scoring his first Magners League points with a try and a penalty against the Blues on April 29. He played his junior and youth rugby for Penallta before joining Bargoed, where he was spotted by the Dragons coaching team last season.
Cross Keys coach Mark Ring doesn’t underestimate the influence Jones has had on his side’s impressive run of form of late.
“He’s a classic modern day fly-half. All credit to Paul Turner and his staff for picking him up from Bargoed last season, offering him a development contract and placing him with us to gain some much needed experience at this level. He has improved throughout the season from being slightly naive at the start of the season, trying to play too much football to becoming a much more confident and accomplished player, fully deserving his call-up to the Dragons set-up.
“He has a great step and turn of speed, making him a try scorer with eight tries as well as being an accurate goal kicker and all round rugby player. There is a great camaraderie around the squad this season and good communication between players and coaches which has helped the players to believe in themselves. Steffan, along with half back partner Ryan James has been a pivotal player for us this term. We went down disappointingly to Llanelli in our last game but other than that we didn’t suffer any big defeats so we have picked up a lot of bonus points and scored lots of tries which was pleasing.”
Jones said of his award: “It’s great to be rewarded for your performances by being selected by the Dragons and to receive this award just tops off the season.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing at Cross Keys this year, and I’m grateful to the help I’ve received from all my coaches, from Penallta to Bargoed, Cross Keys and now the Dragons in my development as a player.
“It’s great to have finished where we did, I think that’s down to a sense of belief in each other that grew towards the end of the season.
“It would be fantastic now to get another Dragons contract for next season and gain some more Regional game time.”
Steffan Jones factfile
Born: 22.11.90, Bargoed
Position: Outside half
Education: Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, Filton College
Most admired rugby player: Neil Jenkins
Biggest inspiration: Support of family and friends
