NEWPORT Gwent Dragons could well be boosted by the arrival of several New Zealanders in time for next season.

Head coach Paul Turner has made two visits Down Under this year looking at available players who would suit the Dragons and the need to get their overseas quota of players up.

"We have made progress and hopefully we'll be able to announce something in the next couple of weeks," said Turner.

"We are moving in a different direction and we have put a plan to the board which they have agreed with in order to bring the quota up. We are looking in the market."

That does not mean All Blacks number two outside half Nick Evans will be joining the Dragons because he is out of their range financially and Turner does not intend spending the money available from the departure of players like Michael Owen and Ceri Sweeney plus the decision not to retain a few others on one big player.

He has identified several positions that need strengthening and he met a number of players and their agents on his second visit to New Zealand in particular. They remain in touch and an announcement should be made next month.

The problem is, as with other teams, that potential newcomers are currently playing with the existing sides so the timing of any release is a delicate one.

But three new forwards and one back, all from New Zealand, could be with the Dragons next season which will give the team and the fans a real boost with work also due to start next year on redeveloping Rodney Parade into a £40m, 15,000 all-seater stadium.

One player whose name has leaked out in New Zealand as joining the Dragons is Waikato hooker Ben Willis, who has captained the All Blacks, has five caps to his name and is a regular for the Chiefs in the Super 14 competition.

Turner has picked his strongest possible side against Connacht at Rodney Parade tomorrow night in a game the Dragons must win if they are to take part in the Heineken Cup play-off, though they still harbour hopes of becoming third best Welsh team in the Magners League.

Out of action are centre Ashley Smith and flanker Richard Parks while prop Adam Black faces a fitness test on his foot injury. With Hugh Gustafson suffering from a back injury, Newport captain Dai Pattison, who played in the last game against Glasgow, stands by.

Back in the side are the departing trio Ceri Sweeney and Richard Mustoe, recovered from shoulder and groin injuries, respectively, and Michael Owen, who was omitted against Glasgow.

Martyn Thomas keeps Wales full back Kevin Morgan out of the side and Wales Under 20 full back/outside half Jason Tovey, who is with Bedwas, features for the first time, named among the replacements.

"We need to get into Europe by right," said Turner, underlining the importance of the Connacht game, especially as they haven't lost at home against the Irish province since 2002 and Connacht haven't won in Wales since they beat the Ospreys at Neath two years later.

Connacht include Matt Mostyn, the former Newport win who is in his final season before retiring, in their 26-man squad.

Dragons team: M Thomas, G Wyatt, P Emerick, R Davies, R Mustoe, C Sweeney, A Williams, A Black or D Pattison, S Jones, R Thomas, A Jones, L Charteris, C Charvis (captain), M Owen, J Bearman. Replacements: B Daly, D Pattison/L Harrison, A Hall, J Ringer, J Tovey, K Morgan, W Evans. Kick off 7.10pm.