The Dragons are understood to have sacked head coach Bernard Jackman half way through his three-year contract.

The Welsh Rugby Union-owned region decided to act after the Irishman was only able to produce marginal improvements this season, despite an influx of new talent.

Under Jackman, the Dragons have won only four times this season in major competitions, with just three victories from 10 Guinness Pro 14 matches and one victory in the European Challenge Cup.

Neither the Dragons nor the WRU have yet confirmed the decision, although a statement is expected on Tuesday afternoon.

Jackman was appointed in June 2017 in succession to Kingsley Jones, with Wales head coach Warren Gatland playing a key role in his appointment.

But despite winning over supporters with his honest assessments of Dragons players and their performances, he was less adept at winning matches. His overall record reads: played 44, won 11, lost 31, drawn 2.

The former Leinster and Ireland hooker oversaw little improvement in results over the course of last season when the Dragons won just two Pro14 games.

Welsh internationals Ross Moriarty, Richard Hibbard and Aaron Jarvis were recruited in the summer but the Dragons have won just three games out of 10 in the PRO14 this season.

The writing appeared on the wall for Jackman when the WRU suspended him from attending matches for four weeks last month for criticism he voiced about referee Ian Davies – even though Pro14 officials found no reason to act themselves.

Former Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder is among the names already being linked with the post.