SAM Davies believes the calibre of player being linked with the Dragons shows the progress being made under Dean Ryan.

The Rodney Parade region are set to add to their firepower with the signing of Wales wing/full-back Jonah Holmes while centre Nick Tompkins, who burst onto the Test scene in the Six Nations, is poised to arrive on a season-long loan from Saracens.

The Dragons have also been in talks with Joe Tomane, who won all 17 of his Australia caps on the wing but has been lined up to be on fly-half Davies' shoulder at inside centre.

The region are also looking to beef up their pack – 6ft 8ins Welsh-qualified lock Joe Maksymiw is on the verge of arriving from Connacht – as director of rugby Ryan builds on an encouraging first season.

The Dragons qualified for the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals and had won five from 13 in the Guinness PRO14, including thrilling festive derby victories against the Scarlets and Ospreys at a raucous Rodney Parade.

South Wales Argus:

Ryan arrived last summer along with Davies and the playmaker believes top talent is attracted to the club by the clout of the boss.

"Dean has had huge amounts of experience in the Premiership with Bristol, Gloucester and Worcester and it shows," said the Wales international to RugbyPass.

"In recent weeks we have been linked with Joe Tomane, Jonah Holmes and Nick Tompkins, which speaks for itself. Would that have happened last year? I'm not sure."

Davies had a super first season in the east and was pivotal in the late wins against Worcester, the Scarlets, Ospreys and Cheetahs.

The Dragons could return to training in July to start preparing for August fixtures with their Welsh rivals, with the fly-half hoping to pick up where he left off.

"I've been quite pleased with my form but it's no good resting on my laurels now and waiting for things to happen. I have to do it myself and contribute as much as I can again," he said.

"My big target is to kick on as a player. I'm really looking forward to returning to training, mixing with the boys again and helping us to push on as a team."

The Dragons are looking to bolster their backs but Davies was impressed by those he worked with last season.

South Wales Argus:

"You only realise how good some of the boys are when you play and train alongside them," he said.

"Take Adam Warren: he's like a silent assassin. He gets through his work and few people outside the Dragons seem to pick up on what he does, but he's an excellent player.

"Ashton Hewitt has had injuries but he's returned this term and been really good, while Jared Rosser is flying. There's a really good base of a team there.

"Hopefully, any signings we make this summer will add to what we have and kick us into next season on the front foot."