Wales pair Colin Charvis and Ceri Sweeney have both signed extensions to their existing contracts with Newport Gwent Dragons.
But current Wales lock Ian Gough has told the Dragons management he will not be staying with the region and intends moving on at the end of the season.
Charvis has been an absolute lynchpin of the side since joining in August and has regained his place in the Wales squad, extremely unlucky not to be in the 22 for France on Saturday.
Coach Paul Turner regards him as his best signing and has frequently praised his efforts off the field as well as on it.
Charvis' close-quarter work, his willingness to put his body on the line and his huge work rate have made him a big favourite with the fans.
He has missed just one of the Dragons' 21 games this season and has played in all three positions in the back row.
"One of the crucial factors in me re-signing was the fact that we have really improved as a side over the course of the season," said Charvis.
"As a squad we have a lot to offer and I feel I can contribute for another season. We are building as a squad and have a quarter-final European Challenge Cup game in the near future.
"We are looking to reach a level of success and if I can play a small part in that then I am delighted to pledge my future with the region."
Sweeney is in his third season with the Dragons after joining them when the Celtic Warriors went bankrupt. He has made 59 appearances and scored 396 points, 184 this season.
"I'm pleased to have signed an extension with the Dragons.
After being with the region for three seasons I'm really settled and have enjoyed my rugby this season," he said.
"There is a good coaching and management staff, a great bunch of players and I'm confident we can be successful as a region on and off the field. These were other factors in me putting my signature to paper."
Dragons rugby manager Jim McCreedy said, "Both players have been in tremendous form and are hugely valuable members of our squad.
"We're delighted they have signed, they bring experience to the squad and are the type of quality player we want.
They are committed individuals and bring a lot to the region."
Gough, on the other hand, has decided to leave, and the latest team tipped to sign him are the big spending Ospreys though they already have three Wales locks in Brent Cockbain, Ian Evans and Alun Wyn Jones.
He has also been linked with the Scarlets, English champions Sale and high flying Bristol.
Gough, at 30, is seeking one last major contract and it is believed the Dragons have decided not to break their salary structure, in much the same way as Cardiff Blues benefactor Peter Thomas won't to keep Wales scrum half Mike Phillips, also bound for the Ospreys.
But the lack of progress with ground developments and player facilities is also believed to be a reason for Gough's departure, something the board should take notice of.
It will be the second time for Gough to leave Rodney Parade, the first in 1998 to join Pontypridd from Newport.
But he has always given 100 per cent for Newport and the Dragons, for whom he has made 138 and 86 appearances, respectively.
Dragons coach Paul Turner says he has plenty of options to bring in a major new lock, and could be looking towards New Zealand.
First published on www.thisisgwent.co.uk|