Dragons opened their Challenge Cup campaign with a 29-14 victory over Perpignan at Rodney Parade. Filo Tiatia’s side ran in four tries but missed out on a bonus point under new tournament rules after the French opponents scored twice in Newport.
Filo Tiatia’s side, who reached the semi-finals in the 2025-26 competition, secured four tries in Newport to claim a scrappy opener. They missed out on a bonus point because Perpignan managed to cross the try line twice under a change in tournament rules this season.
Early Tries and Missed Chances at Rodney Parade
Dragons started brightly when winger Jared Rosser went over down the left in the fifth minute following a multi-phase attack. That finish moved Rosser joint second with Ashton Hewitt on the club’s all-time try chart with 37, leaving him six behind Aled Brew.
Rio Dyer also marked a personal milestone during the match by making his 100th Dragons appearance.
Perpignan grew into the fixture and controlled possession, territory, and chances through a drab opening 40 minutes. Flanker Jules Coulon broke through from close range approaching the half-hour mark.
Full-back Tristan Tedder added the conversion to give the French visitors a 7-5 advantage at half-time. Jac Lloyd also had a try chalked off for crossing during a low-quality first period where Dragons repeatedly wasted opportunities inside the 22 after turning down shots at goal.
Tinus De Beer Secures Crucial Points
The hosts regained momentum after 55 minutes when quick ball off the top of a driving line-out allowed centre Aneurin Owen to exploit weak defence. Perpignan hit back when lock Posolo Tuilagi crashed over—whose uncle Anitelea previously played for Dragons.
Dragons produced a four-try show to open their Challenge Cup campaign with a 29-14 victory over Perpignan at Rodney Parade.https://t.co/YAR4DQZM7m
Tinus de Beer restored a 15-14 lead with a penalty kick with 15 minutes remaining on the clock.
Dragons finally created breathing room when De Beer converted a close-range finish from Tonga wing Anzelo Tuitavuki. Tonga wing Anzelo Tuitavuki crossed, and Tinus de Beer converted.
Fetuli Paea followed up with his first try for the club in the closing stages. He is a fellow compatriot. The home side fell short of securing the five tries required for a bonus point under the updated tournament regulations.
Front-Row Injuries Compound Squad Concerns
Dragons fielded a lineup missing several influential players who were either injured or rested ahead of an upcoming derby against Ospreys. The victory came at a physical price for Dragons.
Loose-head props Rhodri Jones and Wyn Jones both left the field during the match, compounding front-row concerns following Argentina international Rodrigo Martinez’s injury during their defeat against Ospreys.
Dragons sit in a strong position for the last 16 with a pair of upcoming fixtures in Wales. In December, they face South Africa’s Cheetahs at the redeveloped St Helen’s in Swansea, followed by January matches against Bayonne in Newport and Ulster in Belfast.
