NEWPORT Gwent Dragons boss Lyn Jones hailed Elliot Dee as a Wales star of the future after the young hooker produced a stunning performance at the end of a challenging week.

The Dragons were downed 26-21 by Connacht at Rodney Parade on Friday night, a result that leaves them languishing in 10th in the Guinness Pro12 while the Irish province went to the top of the table.

The hosts led going into the final quarter only to be hit by a pair of tries from driving lineouts, forcing them to settle for a consolation bonus point.

It was a disappointing result but at the heart of a spirited performance was hooker Dee, who was full of spark when playing the full 80 minutes on a testing evening.

A minute's silence was held before kick-off for the 21-year-old's mother Lynn, who passed away last Sunday, but he composed himself to put in a passionate shift in tribute.

"It has been a tough week for Elliot and he showed courage to front up," said director of rugby Jones. "I was delighted with him.

"He wanted to play for his mother, it was very difficult for him but his performance was outstanding and why he is not in the Wales squad is beyond me but there is no reason why he can't be in there somewhere along the line.

"It's tough enough playing in these games at 25 or 26 let alone when you are 21 and your mother has passed away, he put in a hell of a shift full of passion and desire for the badge. The guy has got a big, big future."

The Dragons were downed by a ruthless Connacht side that took four of a handful of chances in the 22, their clinical edge showing why they are title contenders.

But Jones was not dispirited by the display of his squad, which is stretched to the limit by a raft of long-term injuries.

He said: "We got the most out of our players and Connacht are a very good side. The error count with them is very low, their mauling game is outstanding and they are accurate in everything they do.

"Connacht bring an intensity to the game. Fair play to them, they had five chances to score and took four.

"I can't be critical of our players because we got the most out of them. I think that losing Carl Meyer, Hallam Amos (to Wales duty), Boris Stankovich before the game and Jason Tovey after 10 minutes doesn't help when you are already on your backside with injuries.

"You've got to give credit to the players and I though that Angus O'Brien was outstanding at 10 after coming on. He showed a lot of potential."