CHIEF executive Stuart Davies says that Newport Gwent Dragons will ramp up their efforts to agree a fresh deal with Taulupe Faletau now that the Wales star is back from Six Nations duty.

The 24-year-old number eight is the glaring omission on the list of 12 international stars that have signed national dual contracts.

Faletau, who played every minute of the Six Nations, is under contract at Rodney Parade until the summer of 2016 and has been linked with big-spending Aviva Premiership side Bath, who were also rumoured to be sniffing around when he signed a deal in 2013.

The back row forward recently changed agents, switching to the Stellar Group stable that represent his cousins, the Saracens and England forwards Mako and Billy Vunipola.

And Davies says that the end of the Six Nations presents the chance to sit down with Pontypool-raised Faletau and convince him to extend his stay in Gwent.

He said: "I'm not clear as to why Toby has been unable to sign up, the Welsh Rugby Union have been leading on that but it would be my hope that in time that can still come through.

"In fairness to Toby we have not wanted to push too hard while he has been concentrating on the Six Nations but now that is over and he is back in camp preparing for a (European Rugby Challenge Cup) quarter-final we will have a bit more access to have those discussions.

"I am not surprised that there is interest from Bath or any other leading club such is the quality of Toby," continued Davies.

"He is a name that is known across the world when it comes to international players so of course he is going to be of interest elsewhere.

"What I can say is that we are extremely keen to keep him and it is my understanding that Toby is very happy at the Dragons and that the reason he hasn't signed is nothing to do with any issue at the Dragons.

"Once I've spoken to Toby some more I will understand a little more but what I can assure Dragons fans is that he is not someone that we want to lose."

The Dragons have signed number eight Ed Jackson for next season to share number eight duties with Faletau, who will be on World Cup duty until November, while recent recruit Nick Crosswell and stalwart Lewis Evans can also play at the base of the scrum.