Newport Gwent Dragons director of rugby Rob Beale has revealed that Welsh flanker Dan Lydiate will depart the club at the end of the season.

Lydiate, who has represented the Dragons since 2006, was named the Six Nations player of the series for his country this year, but is currently nursing a muscular injury.

"We are obviously very disappointed that Danny has decided to leave the Dragons. He has been a key part of our setup for several years and is popular with both the players and the coaches," Beale told Sky Sports News.

"I can assure our supporters that we did all that we could to retain Dan's services but we simply cannot compete with the offers which have been put on the table."

Lydiate is reportedly heading for the Top 14.