NEWPORT Gwent Dragons boss Lyn Jones says Taulupe Faletau is "bouncing again" and ready to lead the charge on his Rodney Parade return against Ulster on Sunday, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Wales number eight endured a difficult return to club action in the 25-15 Guinness Pro12 loss at Parc y Scarlets last Friday after a challenging week in which the Welsh Rugby Union put the kibosh on his move to Aviva Premiership big guns Bath.

The 24-year-old made an unusually high number of handling errors in an hour-long outing after being brought into the XV because of Lewis Evans' calf injury when he had been pencilled in for the bench.

Faletau is sure to receive a rapturous reception from the Dragons faithful when he starts against the Ulstermen on Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm) and director of rugby Jones believes his star player will be back to his best.

"It was a difficult game for Toby and we didn't really want to start him after what he has been through mentally but were forced into it through injury," said Jones.

"He's had a better week of preparation so we expect Toby to be looking forward to the game and producing his usual standard of play."

Jones continued: "First game back after the World Cup, and I've been through this several times with a former club, is always a difficult one for players, especially dealing with the disappointment of the narrow defeats suffered by Wales.

"I thought Toby stuck in there against the Scarlets on a difficult night for us but has been bouncing again this week in training and back to what he is good at. He, like the rest of us, is looking forward to Sunday's challenge.

"Toby was the standout Welsh player and also one of the standout players of the World Cup. Some of his skills, hit footwork, the work rate, the number of minutes he played, was as good as any number eight in the competition.

"He had his head turned and it's been a difficult time for everybody but we are all keen to look forward to the rest of the season."

Faletau is set to start again against Ulster but openside Nic Cudd is rated as 50/50 after suffering a bang against his former side.

Ollie Griffiths, the star of last season's Wales Under-20s side, is ready to deputise while Evans' calf injury is being monitored. Hooker and captain Rhys Thomas is still out with a foot injury.