Dragons co‑captain Angus O'Brien vowed the narrow Challenge Cup semi‑final loss to Montpellier will become fuel for the final URC fixtures. After a dismal 2024‑25 that saw the side finish bottom, a late conversion sparked a five‑match home unbeaten run and secured European knockout wins at Stade Français and Zebre. The squad now eyes a strong finish before building on progress in 2026‑27.

Defence has tightened, yet Dragons still rank second‑worst in the URC for points and tries conceded. The departure of talisman number eight Aaron Wainwright to Leicester leaves a sizable void, but coach Filo Tiatia has already added New Zealand scrapper Terrell Peita and Tongan wing Anzelo Tuitavuki to the roster. These arrivals are expected to bring a different edge rather than a like‑for‑like replacement.

Homegrown talent such as Ben Carter, Ryan Woodman and hooker Brodie Coghlan have benefited from the Montpellier experience, expanding the club’s depth beyond the 49‑player tally used this season. Facing Edinburgh at Rodney Parade, Dragons must beat the Scots to stay above Scarlets in the Welsh hierarchy and to finish the campaign on a high. A victory would cement their emergence as a genuine URC contender.