DIRECTOR of rugby Lyn Jones has signed a contract extension at Newport Gwent Dragons and declared his intention to help the club 'regain the respect of the world of rugby'.

The former Wales flanker arrived at Rodney Parade from London Welsh on a three-year deal in the summer of 2013 and has penned a fresh deal to stay at the helm until 2017.

Under his stewardship the Dragons have finished ninth in the Guinness Pro12 twice but last season shed their tag as Wales' worst region for the first time since 2010 by finishing above Cardiff Blues.

After a sluggish, injury-hit start to the campaign they showed their potential by qualifying for the semi-finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup and enjoying memorable successes against Stade Francais, Newcastle and Cardiff Blues, doing the double over Leinster and winning in Dublin for the first time, beating the Blues in the capital for the first time in 11 years, enjoying a first ever league success in Treviso and derailing Ulster's title challenge with a thrilling win at Rodney Parade.

When Jones arrived at the Dragons he expressed his desire to turn them into Wales' leading side and with a burgeoning back line including Wales World Cup hopefuls Hallam Amos, Tyler Morgan and Jack Dixon he hopes to maintain their upward trend.

"I'm delighted to extend my stay at the Dragons," he said. "The first two years have been about change but the next two will be about re-gaining respect in the world of rugby through consistent performances and results.

"We have all witnessed the potential here with so many firsts this season. The Dragons squad, board and management team are good people and I look forward to September with much excitement in helping them achieve their goals."

The Dragons finished third in the first season of regional rugby in 2004 and fourth the following campaign but have not managed a top-half finish since then.

But chief executive Stuart Davies believes that Jones, along with coaches Kingsley Jones and Shaun Connor and elite performance manager Huw Bevan, can help bring the best out of the talent on their books.

Chief executive Stuart Davies said: "Lyn heads up an excellent all-Welsh rugby management team overseeing a very exciting squad here at the Dragons.

"Our younger players are in great hands as we look to build on a very promising season in the years ahead and Lyn has earned the opportunity to lead the side as we seek to further enhance a growing reputation."