STAR scrum-half Ofisa Tonu'u (pictured) has been dropped from the Gwent Dragons rugby squad.

The dynamic number nine did not turn up for the start of pre-season training on July 1 and has not contacted officials to let them know of his intentions.

The regional team gave him a further week to explain his plans but have now lost patience.

"As Ofisa Tonu'u has not reported for training, at this point he is no longer part of the Gwent squad," confirmed team manager Jim McCreedy.

"I spoke to his agent in the middle of last month and we were told he would be reporting back to training with Gwent, but he hasn't done so.

"As far as we know he is still in New Zealand. Ofisa still has a year left on his Newport contract, and I believe there is still on-going dialogue between New-port and his agent.

"Currently the two scrum halves in the Gwent squad are Brian Shelbourne and Rhodri Jones (the former Swansea player signed yesterday)."

However, the squad will require three scrum halves to meet their Heineken Cup and Celtic League requirements.

But it means that if another top class scrum half becomes available, Gwent could snap him up, leaving the New Zealand-capped South Sea Island-er out in the cold.

"The biggest concern is Europe," confirmed McCreedy. "Once you name your squad, you are stuck with it and we need to name three scrum halves in case of injuries. At the moment, we will start the season with two."

Tonu'u's loss would be a big blow to Gwent.

"At his best, Ofisa Tonu'u's game is as good as anybody's," admitted McCreedy.

"But he must feel that he's not ready to commit himself to the Gwent set-up."

One suggestion is that Tonu'u is looking for a contract to play in New Zealand.