Jones will continue to work with the Dragons until the end of the current season before taking up his post in September.
He said: “In recent months, I’ve received a number of extremely attractive offers from both the worlds of business and rugby. Most recently, being part of the coaching set-up of the Newport Gwent Dragons provided me with a great opportunity to help a team that continues to develop and grow.
“There’s nothing quite like being a part of an organisation developing talent and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved from within and, with the Dragons, it’s been a chance to play an active part in assisting a team very much on the rise.
“My current contract with the Dragons, however, has a mutual break clause at the end of this season which I have chosen to activate to take up a new position overseas. The opportunity offered by BSAK gives us a chance as a family to broaden our horizons, experience a new culture and for me to take on a new challenge in expanding my career.
“Whilst it will be hard to leave friends and family in Wales I have had over fifteen years coaching professional rugby players and I am now looking forward to the challenge of developing young individuals to be the best rugby players they can be. I have enjoyed my time at Treorchy, Neath, Ospreys and most recently at Ebbw Vale and the Dragons but this opportunity is one that is simply too good to miss.
I would personally like to thank Paul Turner and all at the Dragons for giving me an opportunity to be part of their growing Dragons operation and will remain committed to helping them develop over the remaining months of the season.”
Newport Gwent Dragons Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins said: “We’ll be disappointed to see Lyn leave the Dragons. I know the playing, coaching and backroom teams have all enjoyed working with him and he’s been a tremendous influence to all at Rodney Parade. However, we all fully respect Lyn’s desire to grasp this opportunity not only for him but also his family and we wish well for the future.”
In respect of the newly created position and appointment of Jones, Paul Coackley, BSAK School Principal commented:
“At the British School Al Khubairat, participation in physical education and sport is viewed as an integral part of a pupils’ experience and we are delighted that Lyn Jones is joining us as Director of Rugby. Lyn is one of the UK and Europe’s top rugby coaches and the skills he has shown in developing the Ospreys into one of Europe’s best sides are a credit to him. I am sure Lyn will prove to be an asset to the school and its pupils.”
