WALES number eight Toby Faletau is going to be fully fit for the start of Newport Gwent Dragons’ season.

The 21-year-old was forced home early from the tour to Australia after breaking a bone his hand in the first Test defeat in Brisbane.

However, the back row forward is going to be back in action by the time the Dragons, who returned for pre-season training this week, kick off their RaboDirect Pro12 campaign.

The region are on course to be picking from a full squad with fly-half Steffan Jones and lock Adam Jones in training after missing the end of last season because of ankle and foot injuries respectively.

Wing Tonderai Chavhanga is one absentee but the former Springbok is pencilled in for a return to match action by the end of August.

“Everybody is in great shape,” said head coach Darren Edwards. “The squad were given targets when they left and have hit them.

“I’m particularly impressed with the guys from the Premiership that we have invited in to join us in training – they are standing toe-to-toe with the rest of our squad.

“Credit to them for their hard work, they want to play professional rugby and their desire is certainly spurring on our current pros. That competitiveness is what we want to generate.

“Unless we are unlucky in pre-season we will be starting with a full squad, which is great for preparation and a huge boost.”