LYN Jones knows the coaching team must convince Toby Faletau of their grand plans for the region if they are to keep the Lions star at Newport Gwent Dragons.

The 22-year-old number eight from Pontypool is out of contract at the end of the season.

His stellar performances for Wales and the British and Irish Lions have caught the eyes of wealthy clubs in England and France.

But the Dragons are preparing a bumper offer and are quietly confident of keeping their man, especially with the 2015 World Cup around the corner.

And Jones, who returned to Rodney Parade as director of rugby this summer, knows that he has a crucial role in convincing Faletau to put pen to paper.

“Toby is very passionate about Gwent rugby and he is a shy character who is at home in Gwent,” said the former Wales flanker.

“I look forward to meeting with him next week when he comes back from holiday to push things forward a little bit but it’s important that he is happy with myself and the coaching set-up.

“It is important that Toby feels that we have an environment to satisfy him and improve him as a player.

“Money is obviously important and if he was just interested in that then we wouldn’t be able to compete with several clubs I am sure will be in the market for him.”

Faletau is yet to put his boots back on while several of his Lions teammates that ply their trade in France have already returned to training.

And Jones believes the way that Wales players are looked after as opposed to being flogged in the physical Top 14, where players on big salaries are expected to pull their weight, is another factor that helps the Dragons.

“A big consideration for a rugby player is making sure you have a successful international career,” he said.

“The regions will look after their players and make sure their game time at a young age is reduced so that their ability to perform at a higher level is more consistent and for a longer period.

“Toby showed that he is one of the best number eights in the UK but if he went to play in France and asked his coach for a week off before an international then I’m not sure what sort of response he’d get!”