THE tiresome saga of Gavin Henson heading to Newport Gwent Dragons from Bath is nearing its end, according to director of rugby Lyn Jones.

The Dragons boss has made no secret of his admiration for the 33-times capped Wales international but has stressed on countless occasions that his recruitment priorities lie elsewhere.

That has failed to quash talk of the pair, who worked together at the Ospreys and London Welsh, being reunited at Rodney Parade.

However, Jones says that announcement is imminent about where the 32-year-old will be playing his rugby – and it won't be in Newport.

"Gavin's not joining the Dragons," said Jones. "Gavin is a quality player, always has been and always will be. It's only right that teams are interested in him but sadly he won't be here.

"He has a huge amount to offer. Ian Gough will be playing second row for us next year and he is 37 while Nathan Hines is playing for Clermont at 37.

"Some people hit 31 and the game disappears from them but Gavin has had a few years off and has matured."

The director of rugby also repeated the stance that he has frequently adopted about the future of Wales and Lions tighthead prop Adam Jones.

The Dragons boss has stated on many occasions over the past few weeks and months that he had read paper talk of the 33-year-old, who he worked with at Neath and the Ospreys, signing a central contract with the Welsh Rugby Union.

With the Ospreys rumoured to have withdrawn their offer, Jones was asked if the prop could play for the Dragons under a deal with the WRU.

He said: "Not that I am aware of. Someone just told me that he is signing a contract with the Union, is that right?

"I thought there was an agreement that centrally contracted players weren't to play for the regions. I don't know if that's true or if that's just something I've heard.

"Adam is a mature man and if he's signed for the governing body, then I guess it's up to him where he wants to play his rugby. There are too many ifs and buts for me to give you an answer or a headline."