Dragons started their Challenge Cup campaign with a hard-fought 29-14 win over Perpignan at Rodney Parade. Filo Tiatia's side, semi-finalists in 2025-26, ran in four tries to edge a scrappy opener, but did not claim a bonus point after this season's change in rules.
Perpignan led 7-5 at half-time after a drab first half, responding to Jared Rosser's early opener with a try from Jules Coulon. Dragons backs Aneurin Owen and Anzelo Tuitavuki then scored either side of a powerful effort by Posolo Tuilagi to secure victory. Tinus de Beer kicked three conversions and a penalty, while Fetuli Paea added a flourish in the closing stages.
Rosser went over in the fifth minute from a multi-phase attack, moving him joint second on the club's all-time try chart with 37, six behind Aled Brew. Dragons failed to build on that start, and Perpignan dominated possession, territory and chances. Jac Lloyd had a try chalked off for crossing, and Dragons wasted chances in the 22 after turning down shots at goal.
The driving line-out, a potent weapon in the URC, went nowhere, but quick ball off the top did the trick after 55 minutes, with centre Owen exploiting weak defence. Tuilagi crashed over to put Perpignan ahead before De Beer kicked a penalty to make it 15-14 with a quarter of an hour to go. Tuitavuki's try, converted by De Beer, gave Dragons breathing space, and Paea's late score, his first for the club, sealed it. Perpignan needed five tries for a bonus point, and Dragons could not get another.
Head coach Filo Tiatia praised his side's physicality and said the team was proud of the group's effort, while acknowledging there are still areas to grow.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing