NEWPORT Gwent Dragons star Toby Faletau will give the region and its fans a major lift tomorrow by signing a new contract to keep him at Rodney Parade until June 2016.

The number eight's future has long been the focus of intense speculation but the 22-year-old world class player will remain loyal to the Dragons.

The Tongan-born Wales star's stock has remained high since he made his international debut in 2011 but it soared following an outstanding performance for the Lions last month.

Excluded from the first two Tests against the Wallabies, Faletau was sublime in the third and final showdown with Australia which the tourists won 41-16 in Sydney to seal the series.

Faletau's decision to stay in Wales also bucks the trend when it comes to so many other top quality players who are being lured away to France, enticed by lucrative contracts, a new lifestyle and the promise of top class Heineken Cup rugby.

His new deal is expected to be officially confirmed at a press conference at Rodney Parade tomorrow morning.