DRAGONS boss Bernard Jackman says that the region would love to bring Taulupe Faletau back to Rodney Parade – but that a bruising lock is his current dream signing.

It was reported on Thursday that the Wales and Lions number eight, currently sidelined by a knee injury, had told Bath that he would be leaving at the end of next season.

The 27-year-old from Pontypool issued a swift denial, telling the Bath Chronicle: "I'm really happy at Bath and enjoying my time here.

“I've got 18 months left on my contract and haven't spoken to any other clubs. I remain focussed on my rehab and getting back fit."

Faletau was a guest at the Dragons’ thrilling draw with Ulster on the eve of the South Africa Test, in the autumn sitting with Wales teammates Cory Hill, Hallam Amos and Elliot Dee.

The back rower swapped Rodney Parade for the Rec in 2016 but Jackman would love to be able to add to Faletau’s 110 regional appearances.

“If Toby decides that he wants to come back to Wales then we would do everything in our power to try and convince him to come back to the Dragons,” said the head coach at a Q&A with supporters.

“That’s a no-brainer – he is a world-class player and has a big attachment to this region – but at the moment he is contracted to Bath and I don’t think that it’s fair to comment any further than that other than we admire him massively as a player and a man.”

The Dragons have so far made nine signings with back row forward Ross Moriarty, back row/lock Huw Taylor, hooker Richard Hibbard, scrum-halves Rhodri Williams and Rhodri Davies, utility back Jordan Williams and fly-half Josh Lewis arriving next season and centres Jarryd Sage and Calvin Wellington already on the books.

Jackman will add more recruits with the desire of adding some grunt up front.

“There are a couple more slots that we’d like to fill,” he said. “I and every other coach would probably like a big gnarly lock but they are actually pretty rare. We are always looking and if I find one that would be a high priority.”

The Dragons retain an interest in Wales wing George North, who is heading home on a national dual contract from Northampton next season, but Llanelli is a more likely destination.

“His region of origin is the Scarlets, so that’s where he will be going unless he decides that doesn’t want to,” said Jackman.

“If he decides that he doesn’t want to go there then obviously we would like to speak to him but it’s just a case of waiting to see how it unfolds.”