BOSS Kingsley Jones says Hallam Amos is pivotal to Newport Gwent Dragons’ plans – and that they must repay the Wales wing’s loyalty by pushing onto the next level after he penned a two-year contract extension.

The 22-year-old from Cross Ash, who made his debut aged 17, has agreed a fresh dual-deal with the Dragons and the Welsh Rugby Union that will keep him in Newport until at least 2018.

Amos has grown into a leading figure at Rodney Parade and has flourished on the international scene since winning his first cap against Tonga three years ago, earning selection for the 2015 World Cup and starting all three Tests against New Zealand last summer.

His exploits meant that the other regions were monitoring his contract status but the speedster, who hopes to add to his 10 caps in the November Tests against Australia, Argentina, Fiji and South Africa, was quite to pledge his allegiance to the Dragons.

The former Monmouth School head boy, who is studying medicine at Cardiff University, stayed true to his word by signing on the dotted line and now the Dragons must fulfil their part of the bargain by catching up with the Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Scarlets.

“It’s great news for the Dragons and it’s great news for Wales but we know that this has to just been the start for us,” said head coach Jones, who gave Amos the captaincy for the Guinness Pro12 fixture against Treviso last month.

“Hallam is vital in our plans for the next two and a half years; we have to move forward for him, Tyler Morgan, Elliot Dee, Jack Dixon and others.

“It sends a message about what we want to achieve here and also shows that Hallam is positive about where we are going and what he can do here individually.

“He has developed into a quality international player while at the Dragons and next up for him is to push onto the next level with Wales by achieving things with his region.

“Hallam has become a really important player for the Dragons who has the respect of the whole squad. Players are at their best when enjoying themselves and we have seen that with Hallam over the past few weeks – he has really taken the team forward, he is confident, having a go and playing superb rugby.

“I am sure the other regions would have loved to have had him but he enjoys the environment here and wants to help drive us forward.”

Amos is joined in agreeing fresh dual contracts by Cardiff Blues openside Sam Warburton, Ospreys blindside Dan Lydiate and Scarlets tighthead Samson Lee.