DIRECTOR of rugby Lyn Jones believes Newport Gwent Dragons have got a star on their hands after agreeing a fresh deal with fly-half Dorian Jones.

The 22-year-old has been a firm fixture in the Dragons squad since the autumn and has recently been preferred to Jason Tovey at 10.

Dorian Jones, who had been on a development contract, pulled the strings in the region’s shock away wins at Newcastle and Leinster and his efforts have earned a long-term deal.

And, albeit with more than a smidgen of hyperbole, Lyn Jones has backed his burgeoning fly-half to flourish by declaring that only Welsh rugby legend Dai Watkins, from Blaina, has emerged from Gwent with more promise.

“Dorian is an excellent player, with an excellent skill set,” said Lyn Jones. “More importantly, being a student of the game, we are all convinced he is going to be a major influence in creating a successful Newport Gwent Dragons.

“He is as good as any 22-year-old outside half, except Dai Watkins, I have seen coming out of the valleys of Gwent.”

Jones, who will leave his role as a rugby officer at his old Brynmawr School, came through the ranks with Ebbw Vale and made the move to Cross Keys after helping the Steelmen win the Division One East title in 2012.

Last season he started for the Pandy Park side in the finals of the Swalec Cup and Principality Premiership and made three Dragons cameos off the bench. He was given a development contract in the summer and has made 18 Dragons appearances this season.

Jones, son of Dragons head coach Kingsley and younger brother of full-back Geraint Rhys, said: “I have had a great experience at both Ebbw Vale and Cross Keys and I want to thank them for the help they have given me along the way.

“I am looking forward to being able to fully focus my time on growing as a player alongside the Dragons and becoming a regular starter for them.”

Jones will continue to learn his trade under the watchful eye of former Dragons, Ospreys and Wales A fly-half Shaun Connor, who is the region’s backs coach, and will battle Tovey and fellow young gun Angus O’Brien for the 10 jersey.