THE Dragons are hopeful of re-signing Ross Moriarty after the powerhouse flanker won his appeal with the Welsh Rugby Union over his salary valuation.

The 25-year-old moved to Rodney Parade from Gloucester in the summer of 2018.

His contract expires this summer and the WRU have taken the lead in renegotiations, as the 2017 Lions tourist is on a list of 38 Test players chosen by Wales boss Wayne Pivac.

That would lead to the governing body paying 80 per cent of Moriarty's wages, but contract offers are decided by a panel featuring representatives from the WRU and the Professional Rugby Board.

The back rower felt he was being undervalued and appealed – and his victory gives the Dragons a real chance of keeping the in-demand forward.

Moriarty has been linked with a move to the Ospreys and to clubs in England and France - who could still outbid the WRU - but last month stated that he was enjoying life at Rodney Parade under new boss Dean Ryan.

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"Dean has been really good for us this season, he came in and has done a really good job," said Moriarty before Wales' clash with Ireland.

"He has got along with the players, he has got good relationships and really good knowledge.

"I have enjoyed the way that he wants us to play rugby and I think that showed over the block of games over Christmas.

"I felt that I was back to my old self and was just going out there and really enjoying my rugby. Dean plays quite fluent rugby and it's enjoyable to play.

"Now we have got Sam Davies and he has been doing well for us; he has picked up a lot of man of the match awards and has been a big part in what the team has done.

"Dean has made a lot of players who maybe weren't doing so well into better players, and that shows that he is a good coach."

Moriarty has played 17 games for the Dragons since moving from Kingsholm to go along with 25 international appearances.

If he remains at Rodney Parade then it will give a boost to Wales boss Pivac, as the blindside/number eight has won 45 caps.

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That means a move to England or France would put his international career on hold as he doesn't have the required 60 caps under the Wales selection policy.

Moriarty would be able to carry on playing Test rugby if he signed a new deal and it is likely that he would be over the threshold by the time he starts negotiating his next contract.

Dragons chairman David Buttress said in February that he was hopeful of agreeing terms with the combative forward.

"We are working on Ross and he wants to stay," said Buttress. "He has been very overt and behind the scenes he has been unbelievably positive and passionate (about the Dragons).

"He wants to stay, there is no doubt about that and I am confident where Ross' head is at. Ross is a top-quality player so I am sure he has other offers but I am confident that he wants to stay, so let's see if we can make that happen."

Cory Hill is also out of contract this summer with the Dragons waiting to hear about the Wales lock's decision on his future.

The 28-year-old came through the ranks at Cardiff Blues before being released and having a short spell at Moseley before returning to Wales with the Dragons.

A return to the Arms Park is a possibility – although he wouldn't be paid more than he would at Rodney Parade – and Blues boss John Mulvihill admitted his interest last month.

"Cory Hill still hasn't made a decision of where he's playing - and a lot of these decisions, they can't be pushed, particularly at the time of year we're at at the moment with the Six Nations," said the Australian.