THE Newport Gwent Dragons board urge any potential new investors to declare themselves - and if they do they must not indulge in asset stripping at Rodney Parade.

The Dragons also insist they are in a strong position to combat the likely loss of European rugby next season and say they will continue their policy of developing young players.

The board are unhappy about further criticisms aimed at them this week in Argus chief sportswriter Robin Davey's weekly column.

Commercial director Gethin Jenkins said, "Despite the criticisms levelled against us there are many positives at Newport Gwent Dragons this year.

"We continue to develop and provide opportunities for young Welsh players to play in Wales and in the Magners League like Ashley Smith, Jamie Corsi and Aled Brew who played for Wales but wouldn't have got the opportunities if he had stayed with the Ospreys.

"We also have robust financial procedures in place facing up to a drop of a fifth in central funding and the associated ticketing and hospitality if there is no Heineken Cup which is obviously a concern.

"We remain hopeful that a resolution to the issue can be found, but failing that we will work with the other regions and the Welsh Rugby Union to bring forward other funding opportunities.

"With regard to possible investors in Newport Gwent Dragons we would encourage these people to come forward and put their proposals in writing.

"But any proposals must be about sustaining and developing the team and not asset stripping the land at Rodney Parade because of the damage that can do to the game as a whole and our fantastic fans."