Faletau re-signs with Dragons until 2016

Toby Faletau has prolonged his stay with the Newport Gwent Dragons by signing a new contract to keep him at Rodney Parade until June 2016.

The news will come as a welcome relief to the Welsh regions who are currently battling to keep hold of their prize assets with greater riches available across the Channel in the Top 14. The Dragons have already lost Dan Lydiate ahead of next season as the British Irish Lions flanker has signed for Racing Metro. He will be joined there by bulldozing centre Jamie Roberts.

The Ospreys have already spoken about their desire to tie down Ian Evans, Alun-Wyn Jones and Adam Jones on to new deals while the Scarlets are hopeful of keeping Jonathan Davies in Llanelli. While discussions are ongoing in the rest of Wales, the Dragons have been successful in keeping their star player with Faletau opting to extend his stay in Newport.

He starred for the Lions in the third Test against Australia and has played a key role in Wales’ back-to-back Six Nations triumphs. Aged just 22, Faletau already has 26 caps for Wales under his belt and he is excited by the Dragons’ future.

“I’m pleased to have committed to the Dragons so early in the season; this will help me to concentrate on my on-field performance and the challenges ahead this season,” Faletau said. “With the reputation of Lyn [Jones] and Kingsley [Jones] preceding them I’m looking forward to working with them and developing further as a player.”

“It’s clear the Dragons are taking steps to develop the region and its team, with a number of new signings both on and off the field.”

The Dragons are under ex-Ospreys and London Welsh coach Lyn Jones’ control this season and he is delighted with Faletau’s decision. Jones said: “Toby has made a good decision early on in the season, putting an end to all the speculation surrounding his future.

“Throughout discussions with Toby I have been extremely impressed with his drive and motivation not only on a personal level but in his commitment to developing the Dragons into the best team in Wales. I’m looking forward to working with Toby, helping him to be the best he can be, not only for the Dragons but for Wales.”

Competition for Faletau’s signature fierce with Aviva Premiership side Bath reportedly offering £100,000 for his services last season. But that offer was rejected and Faletau has stayed in Newport, much to the delight of Dragons’ chairman Martyn Hazell.

“There was fierce competition for Toby’s services but by securing Toby’s future here at Rodney Parade it clearly shows our ambition as a board of directors and as business to further develop the Dragons brand,” Thomas said. “Toby is important to growing our business on and off the field and shows our commitment to becoming the best region in Wales.”

Faletau re-signs with Dragons until 2016