DIRECTOR of rugby Lyn Jones believes that Newport Gwent Dragons' poor start to the Guinness Pro12 harmed the international ambitions of a number of their players.

Wales boss Warren Gatland named three of the region's players – number eight Taulupe Faletau and wing/full-backs Tom Prydie and Hallam Amos – in his 34-strong squad for the autumn internationals.

The New Zealander also revealed that Tyler Morgan would have been included were it not for a knee problem while his fellow 19-year-old centre Jack Dixon, who is currently sidelined with a wrist injury, has previously been on the international radar.

Jones acknowledges that the Dragons need to increase their Wales contingent and, after a first block of the Pro12 that saw them beaten in five of six games, says that will happen if they improve their form.

"As a region we need to be providing far greater numbers into the Welsh squad and that will come," he said.

"We haven't been on top of our game in September and that probably hurt a couple of boys in terms of making the cut.

"However, there's a lot of growth in this side and a lot of promising talent so there will be a few more.

"We are up to three and come the Six Nations we'd hope to increase that to six, we just need to keep growing our squad so that we can take some pressure off other regions and share the workload."

Jones believes that the Welsh members of his region's much-improved tight five could soon be knocking on the door.

He said: "(Hooker) Elliot Dee is an excellent rugby player and I am surprised he is not involved but I respect other people's opinions in selection.

"Lloyd Fairbrother and Dan Way are two tightheads who have been excellent for us this season and have contributed to us arguably having the best scrum in Wales."