Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate happy in Wales

Dragons' Dan Lydiate says he is happy in Wales and not being treated like a "lump of meat" at a foreign club.

So far the Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons flanker has resisted a move to France like some of his Wales team-mates Luke Charteris and Aled Brew.

And last season's Six Nations player of the year is happy to stay at Dragons.

"I'm treated really well at the Dragons... whereas, maybe if you went abroad you are just a lump of meat," said Lydiate.

"We play hard but they [Dragons] know when you have your bumps and bruises, so if you have to miss a session they don't mind, as long as you put it in on the field.

"[But at a foreign club] it doesn't matter if you have bumps and bruises. They do play handsomely, but they pay that well you have got to play.

"I can see why some of the boys have gone out to France, some of the older boys [for] a different life experience. They might not get that chance again.

"But for the time being I'm happy here. I love playing with Wales and love being at the Dragons for the time being.

"At the minute I'm happy here I can't thank the Dragons enough especially in the early days of my career. They gave me a chance to play top-flight rugby and give me the chance to put myself on show to the Welsh selectors.

"Maybe if I had have been at other clubs I might not be playing international rugby. I can't thank them enough."

Lydiate, 24, has been resting since Wales' three-Test tour of Australia in June. He returned from the 3-0 defeat with an ankle injury which did not require surgery.

"I was glad I didn't have to have an ankle injury at the end of the season," added 27-times capped Lydiate, who could figure in the Dragons pre-season friendly against London Irish on Friday.

"I went away to Australia and [the injury] sort of healed itself. One day I woke up and I didn't have any pain in it, which was brilliant.

"[I've] come back from Australia, seen the surgeon and he said that if it doesn't hurt there is no point [in having an operation].

"Touch wood, it seems fine in pre-season and hopefully it will give me no jip going forward."