The Dragons boss saw his side claim a 26-22 triumph over Ulster on Sunday with two of their three tries coming from Gwent club talent.
Current Ebbw Vale back Carl Meyer capped a dream debut with the decisive score after former Pontypool man Jonathan Evans and Caerphilly born Rhys Buckley put the region in a commanding position. And Jones has hailed his local lads for stepping up to the challenge.
He said: “From the outside when I was with Sale I watched the Welsh Premiership and saw these players around and thought ‘surely they can play for the Dragons?’.
“I’m not saying they can necessarily be first choice week in, week out as James has achieved but there are players out there. First and foremost we have to give these Gwent players – James, Matthew Pewtner, Dorian Jones, Angus, Scott Matthews – an opportunity. Fair play to those boys, they are stepping up.”
Jones highlighted the impact of James Thomas, who worked his way back into the regional frame after an early career plagued by injury. He was a key part of the pack that stopped Nick Williams and co. at source in their first league victory at Rodney Parade since December.
And Jones is hoping to push on after the win, with a European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final against Cardiff Blues under a month away.
He said: “The boys really worked hard and the forwards put in a hell of a shift,” said Jones. “We dealt with Ulster’s drive and we dealt with powerful number eight Nick Williams.
“There’s lots to work on, and our first-phase defence has got to improve, but ultimately to win against a such a quality team as Ulster is a big positive for the Dragons.”
