DIRECTOR of rugby Lyn Jones says Newport Gwent Dragons have no fears for their safety as they head to France to take on Castres Olympique in the European Rugby Challenge Cup on Saturday (kick-off 4pm GMT).

European Cup organisers postponed all pool matches scheduled to be held on French soil last weekend following the terror attacks in Paris.

And Munster's European Champions Cup game against Stade Francais, which was scheduled to be played in the French capital this Sunday, has also been postponed.

Jones admits that recent events have put rugby in perspective but he’s not concerned about travelling to the Midi-Pyrénées region in southern France.

“It’s absolutely horrific what has occurred and it makes you realise that the sport that we love and play is just second to what is precious in this world, and that’s life,” he said.

“It’s a very disturbing time and what’s important is that the governments of France and Britain have stood up and been exceptionally strong.

“And that’s what you want to hear to create confidence that we are safe in our environment. We have no fears about the weekend.”

In fact the Dragons go to France with confidence after last year’s win over Stade in Paris in the same competition.

“We gained a lot of confidence and understanding in how to win games in France from last year’s fixture against Stade Francais when we played them in the first round,” said Jones.

“We did really well that night, scored four tries and kicked our season off.

“We appreciate that Castre is another game, another destiny, another night but what’s important to us is that our level of performances is far more consistent.

“And the test for us is to perform out in France and as long as we can hit our targets and hit our KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) then the result will follow.”

Asked about the difference between playing a Top 14 side in France compared to a Guinness Pro12 fixture, Jones added: “It’s all upstairs isn’t it?

“There is no difference at the end of the day – the pitch is the same, the atmosphere is a little bit different – but over the years we’ve all got used to travelling and playing.

“People have started to win more regularly in France then they did in the early years of European rugby and we’ve gained understanding and confidence from that.”