WALES stars Toby Faletau and Dan Lydiate insist they are staying with the Newport Gwent Dragons after wowing the world in New Zealand Warren Gatland’s men saw their World Cup campaign end with a disappointing 21-18 defeat by Australia in yesterday’s third place play-off.

But dynamic duo Faletau and Lydiate have both enjoyed a brilliant tournament alongside skipper Sam Warburton in a back row now rated one of the best in the world.

Lydiate, aged 23, was identified as an Ospreys player in the semi-final and play-off match programmes, but he and 20-year-old Faletau are both under contract with the Dragons and have no wish to depart.

The pair are said to be the target of a number of top teams, especially with the Dragons possibly vulnerable as they are not in the Heineken Cup this season, but they both intend seeing their contracts out at least.

Faletau is tied down for the next two-and-a-half years, while Lydiate has signed for the next season-and-a-half.

“I’m loving being at the Dragons, the boys there are class and I’m hoping for a good season and to push on from there,” said Lydiate.

“I’m happy where I am, they have blooded young players and it’s great playing with Toby, Luke (Charteris) and Lloyd (Burns). Luke has been brilliant, his workload is phenomenal and he is so underrated.

“I haven’t even thought about leaving the Dragons and I should be OK after a couple of weeks rest to go again. The physios out here have been brilliant with my ankle and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, I’ll never come to New Zealand again to play in another World Cup.”

Faletau said: “I’ll be staying with the Dragons for the next two-and-a-half years at least, I’m not looking further ahead than that.”

He is going back to Tonga, the country of his birth, for a week for the first time for 10 years to see his grandmother and other relatives.

“Then I’m looking forward to getting back in with the Dragons,” he added.

Faletau became the first Welsh player to appear in seven World Cup games against Australia, starting every one.

“It was tough, but we made a load of mistakes especially in the first half, you’ve got to put your kicks over,” he said.

“It’s been really good playing in the World Cup. This will give us momentum now going into the Six Nations.”