THERE is only one way for Newport Gwent Dragons to go, insists head coach Darren Edwards, despite the curtain falling on their season with a rare Rodney Parade defeat at the hands of Ulster on Friday night.

The Irish province achieved their first victory at the ground since 2006 with their 20-13 success which clinched their place in the Magners League playoffs.

But though the Dragons were unable to follow up their Welsh derby triumphs over the Ospreys and Cardiff Blues, Edwards remains upbeat.

“We have got massive areas to grow. A good pre-season and things can go only one way,” he said.

“We have got to be realistic and reflect on where we were. We’ve had a transition on and off the field, (forwards coach) Danny Wilson has only been here for a year and (defence coach) Rob Appleyard five months.

“We feel a bit deflated now after losing to Ulster, but things are so positive with the stand, the fans and the will to work together as a business.

“We can all feel this is a special place. It hasn’t been what it should have, now the attitude of the staff is looking to the future and making it a good place to work.

“There is no divide. It’s been brave by our board, they have taken a big step forward to ignite the region and we have tried to be brave on the field and develop a brand of rugby to win games.”

Edwards appeared to cool on the possibility of the Dragons trying to sign Gavin Henson should he become available if Toulon decide not to offer him a new contract.

He didn’t name Henson, but the message was pretty clear when he said: “We are very cautious with our recruitment, people coming in have got to add to it. We can’t have disruptive influences.

“We are playing a bit of a waiting game. A number of players are emerging here and there is a huge prize for them at international level.

“It’s great to see some of our guys at that level but it could impact on us though we’re happy to see them fulfil their ambitions.

“But Danny is anxious to improve the scrum, that’s ongoing.”

“We are a young coaching team, and some things are not where we want them to be.”

Wilson says the sky is the limit for No 8 Toby Faletau, expected later today to be named by coach Warren Gatland in the Wales squad for the game against the Barbarians on June 4.

“Toby has been outstanding and in recent performances has shown what he’s capable of,” he said.

“You have seen his ability to get away from players. The surprising thing is how quick he is over short distances and defensively he is getting better.

“The sky is the limit for the boy. He’s extremely laidback but he’s very motivated and he’s got high standards, he’s disappointed and gutted if he’s taken off.

“A few others have put their hands up and surprised a few people, especially in the derbies, which are the nearest thing to internationals outside the Heineken Cup.

“A number have proved themselves. Toby has been outstanding, Danny Lydiate is there and with Gavin Thomas they form a superb back row.

“But I’ve been really impressed with the front five. Phil Price and Lloyd Burns are two good forwards coming through and Luke Charteris has been an outstanding leader in the last few games.”

Hooker Burns could be a shock call-up to the Wales squad for the game against the Barbarians.

Burns, in his first full season with the Dragons, though still a Cross Keys player, has impressed coach Warren Gatland with his aggression and all-action style.

Fellow Dragons Faletau, Charteris and Aled Brew could all be included, though Lydiate and other regulars will be rested.