NEWPORT Gwent Dragons would need to be convinced by Ian Evans that he would be heading home for the right reasons and not just a pay day if they were to do a deal with the Wales and Lions lock, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 32-year-old’s contract with the Aviva Premiership strugglers Bristol ends in the summer and he has been linked with a move to Rodney Parade.

It has been reported by WalesOnline that he met head coach Kingsley Jones at the Celtic Manor Resort and the Argus understands Evans, who has won 33 caps and toured Australia with the Lions in 2013, has long been on the Dragons’ radar.

The experienced forward would add steel to the front five but would have to persuade the Rodney Parade management team that he still has the desire to play at the top level rather than just wanting to move closer to home for one last contract.

The Dragons currently have Wales lock Cory Hill, Matthew Screech and Rynard Landman on their books along with the younger duo of Joe Davies and Scott Andrews while Nick Crosswell and James Thomas can also move forward from the back row.

Landman’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign but the South African, who becomes Welsh-qualified next season, is set to stay despite interest from Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets.

Evans spent nine seasons with the Ospreys, winning four Guinness Pro12 titles and the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

The 6ft 8ins forward moved to Bristol when a deal with French giants Toulon collapsed in the summer of 2014 but has been hindered by injuries in the West Country.

He has made just 29 appearances and is not included for tonight’s game at Pau after starting in the boilerhouse in last Sunday’s 41-14 success against the Top 14 side.

Evans won three Six Nations titles with Wales and last played on the international scene in the first Test against South Africa in Durban in 2014.