Newport Gwent Dragons: Lyn Jones happy with his new squad

Newport Gwent Dragons' first European Challenge Cup match is against Stade Francias Paris on 18 October

Newport Gwent Dragons boss Lyn Jones says he is happy with his summer signings but now faces the challenge of gelling his new players into the team.

The Dragons play Northampton Saints in a friendly at Ebbw Vale's Eugene Cross Park on Friday.

Lee Byrne, Andy Powell and Aled Brew were three of several new additions at Rodney Parade.

Director of rugby Jones said: "The challenge for coaches is establishing a team rather than 15 individuals."

Wales' star wing George North will start against the Dragons in a team studded with England internationals such as Luther Burrell, Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes.

The home side will also field Wales and British and Irish Lions number eight Taulupe Faletau for his first run out of the pre-season.

"I think we're in a little bit better shape than we were 12 months ago, we feel we've got more depth in the squad and have a better starting 15," said Jones.

"The challenge now is how quickly you can knit in to become a team; just by signing players it's not necessarily the secret to success."

Former Ospreys boss Jones, who took over in June 2013, made a promise earlier in the year to change the Dragons' style of play.

This followed a season when the region finished the lowest ranked of Wales' four teams in the Pro12 for the ninth consecutive season.

The Dragons kick off this season's Pro12 campaign with a trip to Connacht on 6 September.