It will go some way to appeasing the Dragons fans, who have become disgruntled with the inactivity on the part of the directors regarding investment in the region.

But chairman Martyn Hazell has responded with a stern defence of the board's record and pointing out the need for care to be taken in the plans.

"We take our responsibilities as directors seriously and are putting structures and plans in place to grow the team and rugby in the region," he said to the Western Mail.

"Our strategy, first and foremost, is to keep top-level rugby in Gwent, to run it on a firm financial footing and not to create the debts that other regions have unfortunately found themselves in.

"We do not want to return to periods of boom or bust or saddle the region with large debts or loans.

"As a board, we are fully aware that our coaches would like more money to invest in players and as we get more support we will be able to invest more money in the team.

"It is, however, a naive assumption that an endless supply of money automatically provides a team with success on the field."