NEWPORT Gwent Dragons today expressed their delight at having kept their Lions and Wales star Toby Faletau at Rodney Parade for a further two years until May 2016.

The world class number eight’s contract was due to expire at the end of next season with a number of top clubs, including Bath, keen to sign him.

But the 22-year-old has decided to stay put which is a big boost for the region who have shown their ambition in recent months by securing the services of respected coaches Lyn and Kingsley Jones.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones today underlined just how important Faletau was to the region.

“Toby has made a good decision early on in the season, putting an end to all the speculation surrounding his future,” he said.

“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.”

Jones added: “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.”

Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell also stressed Faletau’s value to the region.

“There was fierce competition for Toby’s services but by his future here at Rodney Parade, it clearly shows our ambition as a board of directors and as a business to further develop the Dragons brand," he 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 revealed how he can’t wait to work with Lyn and Kingsley Jones.

“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,” he said.

“With the reputation of Lyn and Kingsley 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.”

Faletau is regarded as one of the finest number eights in the world and has already won a Grand Slam and two Six Nations championships in his 26-cap career with Wales.

His brilliant performance for the Lions in last month’s 41-16 victory over Australia in the Third and decisive Test in Sydney helped the tourists win the series 2-1.