SAREL Pretorius doesn't want to leave the Dragons and is in talks about a new deal despite the region signing a pair of scrum-halves.

The 33-year-old South African has been a popular and influential figure at Rodney Parade since signing from the Cheetahs in the summer of 2015.

Livewire Pretorius has made 65 appearances and scored 13 tries but new boss Bernard Jackman has already moved to strengthen his options at scrum-half for next season.

Wales international Rhodri Williams will arrive from Bristol and Rhodri Davies has signed from Rotherham, but Pretorius hopes to be battling them for the 9 jersey.

"This is the third year of my contract and at the moment I am busy renegotiating, so we will see what happens," said Pretorius, who this season has shared the scrum-half duties with Charlie Davies, Tavis Knoyle and prospects Dan Babos and Owain Leonard.

"I think it's good for the region to have depth, especially in a key position, so we will see. I will know before the end of the month but I'd love to stay and make a difference for the region.

"I was at the Waratahs and a new coach came in and changed everything. I left then a year later they won Super Rugby and I wasn't a part of it.

"I don't want to be in that same spot because I can see a lot of changes happening and I don't want to leave because I've been here for the bad, so want to be here for the good as well."

Pretorius did his chances no harm with a strong performance and wonderful solo try in the defeat to Bordeaux-Begles in France last weekend.

"At the end of the day, it's between those four lines and if you perform you make it easier for yourself. And if the whole team performs well then the individual stands out," said Pretorius, whose season has been disrupted by a summer calf strain and jaw injury suffered at Leinster in November.

Bordeaux was his first start since Dublin and the experienced campaigner has played an important role in helping the development of teenage teammate Babos.

The 17-year-old from Cwmbran has done well on the pitch with eight regional appearances but is also making an impression on Pretorius with his appetite for improvement.

"He is keen to learn and always asks questions," said Pretorius. "What is good that he is 17 and already in a professional environment, I was 24 or 25.

"His basics, passing and kicking, are really good so now we just need to top up his game experience but he has a good head for the game."

Pretorius wants Babos to be his deputy but has vowed to make an impact whether he has 9 or 21 on his back.

"You play the game to be first choice but there's a bigger picture and you are part of a plan," he said.

"If I am on the bench then great, I will make my 25 minutes worthwhile and make a difference."