NEWPORT Gwent Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones was a proud man after seeing his players stun Stade Francais on their own patch – but has urged them not to waste their heroic efforts by slipping up against Newcastle.

On Saturday evening the Dragons upset the odds by becoming the first away side to triumph at Stade Jean Bouin this season.

Barely anyone outside of the squad had given them a hope of leaving Paris with the spoils and not only did they win but they secured a bonus point thanks to tries by scrum-half Richie Rees, hooker Rhys Thomas, wing Hallam Amos and flanker Nic Cudd.

It means if the Dragons can record another win against Newcastle, who thumped Bucharest last Friday, then they will be in a terrific position to be playing European knockout rugby for the first time since 2007.

“If we don’t get a result against Newcastle then the win against Stade Francais is almost a waste of time and it’s going to be another big challenge,” said Jones.

“Newcastle are a good side and are on top of their game now with three wins in a row, they will be desperate to make it four. We don’t want to build any pressure on ourselves, we just need to relax, enjoy it and play some good rugby like we did against Stade.

“But it’s a great start and this win buys us some time and when we get some experienced boys back from injury perhaps we can go further in the competition.”

The Dragons have come under fire after losing five of their six games in the Guinness Pro12 and Jones praised his side’s character after responding in Paris.

“I am delighted for the players, they gave everything and laid themselves on the line,” he said. “I am really proud of the way that they have gone about their business because our performance against Edinburgh last weekend was not good, it was weak in many facets but we didn’t panic.

“We have worked hard, stayed positive and the win against Stade Francais is a reflection of the players’ character. It’s only one victory but it shows what we can achieve when we apply ourselves properly.

“The Dragons have had so many tough nights in Europe so it’s nice to have something to cheer rather than a hard luck story.”

The win came at a cost with Wales international Andrew Coombs joining their lengthy list of injured locks after jarring his knee after being taken out at a lineout in the opening stages. The damage will be assessed in the coming days.