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Shaun Edwards has been assisting Ospreys boss Allen Clarke this season

European Challenge Cup: Clermont Auvergne v Dragons Venue: Stade Marcel-Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand Date: Sat, 15 Dec Kick-off: 13:00 GMT Coverage: Score updates on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app

Dragons have held talks with Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards over succeeding Bernard Jackman.

Ex-Ireland hooker Jackman, 42, left the Welsh region this week and Edwards is in line for the job until at least the end of the 2018-19 season.

The 52-year-old would continue working with Wales until the end of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Edwards has then agreed to take over as head coach of rugby league side Wigan Warriors in 2020 after the World Cup.

Moving to Dragons would not affect Edwards' role with Wales in the 2019 Six Nations or their build-up to the 2019 World Cup.

His fellow assistant coaches Rob Howley and Robin McBryde also have deals in place with the Wales national team until the end of the 2019 World Cup.

Dragons play three games during the Six Nations when Edwards would be with Wales.

Jackman left in his second season in charge, with forwards coach Ceri Jones taking the reins for Saturday's European Challenge Cup match at Clermont-Auvergne.

Edwards was due to become a part-time member of the Dragons coaching staff as a defensive consultant under Jackman in the summer, but the move fell through.

Former Great Britain rugby league scrum-half Edwards joined Ospreys instead, having spent the 2017-18 season in a similar role at Cardiff Blues.

Former Wales prop Jones says Dragons staff and players have been told to expect a successor to Jackman to be appointed next week.

"[Chairman] David Buttress came in on Tuesday and told us there will be some news by next Monday, but that is as much as I know," said Jones.

Jones said he "was disappointed" for Jackman.

He added: "He has done a lot of good groundwork for this region.

"We have just got to focus on the week ahead. It has been a difficult week.

"I can't read the board's mind but we have to do is concentrate on the week ahead for Clermont.

"We have had some disappointing news this week and what we have to try and do now is gel for the weekend.

"Clermont away is a massive game and we need to give the best performance we can. I am here to best prepare this group."

Top 14 leaders Clermont also lead the Challenge Cup group with a maximum 15 points, with the Dragons on five.

Players 'gutted' by Jackman exit

Dragons captain Cory Hill says he and his playing colleagues were disappointed by Jackman's departure.

"I am gutted, as well as all the other boys," said the Wales lock.

"It was a big shock to us and I was very surprised. Bernard has done so much good in the region and kicked us on and moved us forward.

"Personally I think I have come on leaps and bounds on and off the field under Bernard.

"Results of late have not gone our way, but he was doing massive things off the pitch and throughout the region.

"We are a tight group and moving to something special. It is a hard time for us as well as everyone else.

"We have to move on and focus on the task ahead this Saturday."

Dragons will be without hooker Richard Hibbard and back-rower Harrison Keddie after head knocks forced them off against Northampton, while flanker Ollie Griffiths looks set to miss some of the Christmas Pro14 programme because of a knee injury.