NOW that the brave battle by the Newport Gwent Dragons squad in Europe is over I simply have to discuss one utterly pressing subject - their very survival.

The writing is now very much on the wall and in saying that I am not scaremongering. Far from it.

It's a shame to have to return to this topic because the Dragons' efforts on the field have been truly heroic. They continue to hold their heads up against often insurmountable odds and, week in, week out, they punch above their weight.

But it can't go on for the whole operation is being held together by sticking plaster and it could come apart at the seams at any moment.

There is now widespread concern. A Welsh Rugby Union source has told me he understood last week that the Dragons were close to going under while so many fans I have met in various parts of Europe this season are worried, as are the players.

Just look at the facts: l NO major recruitment allowed, though Ian Gough and the Brew brothers, Aled and Nathan, are leaving at the end of the season (Gareth Cooper is a different case).

l NO progress on the development of Rodney Parade as outlined in a statement recently.

l NO information on badly needed new facilities to bring the Dragons into line with their rivals.

l NO outside investment coming in apart from what chairman Martyn Hazell contributes.

It is now a perilous position, fraught with danger. There is stagnation off the field and on it coach Paul Turner has to wrestle with an ever decreasing band of players to see the season out because of the rising injury toll - though it happens to all teams at this stage of the season.

You only had to be at Clermont Ferrand on Saturday, a town basically in the middle of nowhere but with massive financial backing, to realise the difference.

Their annual budget is around £8m compared with £2.5m for the Dragons, apart from the not inconsiderable amount Hazell provides, while their recent sponsorship deal with Michelin is worth £800,000 compared with the Dragons' £80,000 agreement.

It means Clermont can buy world class players and can continually update their ground and facilities - they are now building a fourth stand at their headquarters while they are able to lay on a lavish post-match reception attended by one and all.

The Dragons hierarchy simply sit back and admire it all, but do little or nothing to improve their own lot. Investment is nil, recruitment is zero and players from Ceri Sweeney, to Rhys Thomas to Michael Owen are starting to ask questions.

The situation can't carry on - and, in fact, salvation could be at hand. Whenever I bring up the subject of outside interest it is rubbished from within and without. I'm told these people don't exist and if they do why don't they show their hand.

All I can say is they do exist and have shown an interest for about six months. The time is ripe for intervention and the big day may not be far away. We are talking mega here and meetings have now been held with key people.

D-day may not be far away, but delays for various reasons can't be prolonged much further. It may sound vague, but it has to be at the moment and there's no way anyone wants to get their hands on Rodney Parade either.

Undoubtedly the fans deserve better, so many of them busting a gut to get to such an awkward place as Clermont Ferrand.

Tales abounded about how they managed it - by coach, by car, by rail and by air through a variety of routes for there were no direct flights other than the special small team charter.

I have the greatest admiration for the lot of them. There was the one who lives in the south of Spain and was at Bayonne in January but was there again with even further to travel, but one couple, the Keens, really did take the proverbial biscuit.

They had just spent five days in New York, but instead of flying back in to London and heading for home they went straight to Waterloo and caught the Eurostar to France to watch the Dragons. Amazing!

All of these people should be rewarded by so much more. They are doing their level best, but apart from continuing brave efforts by players giving it everything what are they receiving in return?

To sound a further alarm bell I have no doubt that Turner will at the very least consider his position if nothing is done.

People would not believe what he is doing behind the scenes to try to improve the situation - way over and above his duties as coach.

He is a true regional man, he is about the best thing at the Dragons, but it is highly questionable whether he will carry on if things don't improve.

Not one shred of what I have written is exaggerated whatever statements are issued to the contrary. The alarm bells are ringing, Rome is burning and a lot of people are fiddling. You know the outcome of that little episode.

But I happen to believe that even if the group I have written about don't come forward at the end of the day - and I have no reason to believe they won't - then the WRU will intervene.

They've been made aware of the situation, though they can't provide extra money - all regions receive the same amount (though many wonder how the Scarlets appear to be the favoured ones all the time).

Neither will they let the Dragons go under, but it is crystal clear the situation can't possibly be allowed to drift any more.