PERCY Montgomery is definitely leaving Newport Gwent Dragons -- but he is bound for France, not his native South Africa.

And the Dragons are not expected to ask for any compensation or transfer fee when his departure two years before his contract ends is officially announced within the next week.

The departure of benefactor Tony Brown, who brought him to Newport and is responsible for a large slice of his salary, mitigates against any transfer fee and is the main reason for Monty's decision to go.

The Argus revealed 11 days ago that the Springbok star, who has been at Rodney Parade for nearly three years, would be leaving at the end of the season.

It was believed he would head for home especially as he was recalled to the South Africa ranks last summer after two seasons in exile because of a ban on players who had moved overseas.

He has been a regular since, resulting in year-round rugby, but instead of returning home he admits he will be remaining in Europe though tight lipped about his actual destination.

But Argus sport understands it is France, and that he could well be joining Stade Francais, one of the most famous clubs in the game and full of a glittering array of worldwide stars.

Montgomery is due to return to South Africa for a two-day training squad soon, but he says he will be available for the Dragons for the rest of the season.

That involves at least one more appearance at Rodney Parade after the Dragons earned a home Celtic Cup quarter-final when they beat Connacht on Saturday.

That will be against Welsh rivals Llanelli Scarlets a week next Friday night which avoids a clash with the Newport-Neath Premier Division showdown the next day.

The Dragons victory earned them a fourth placed finish in the Celtic League, only one place lower than last season.

But whereas they were in with a chance of winning the title in the final game then, this time they ended a whopping 26 points behind winners Neath Swansea Ospreys, 19 behind Munster and trailing Leinster by seven.

They lost nine of their 20 league games, a reflection of the turmoil which has existed in their camp which will hopefully end with the arrival of Paul Turner as coach next month.

There is also a question mark over the future of Dragons chief executive Andy Marinos who could be on his way back to South Africa after a difficult year making the transition from player and captain.

l The four Welsh regions could be involved in a revamped Powergen Cup against all the leading English clubs throughout September next season.

But Ireland are opposing the move because it would mean shifting Celtic League games so that they clashed with the November internationals.

That would have a major effect on Munster and Leinster when Ireland have made qualification for the Heineken Cup via the Celtic League for the first time next season.

Returning British Lions would not be available either as they would have the first month of next season off.