Four-try Dragons beat Perpignan - but without bonus
The Dragons rugby team secured a victory against Perpignan in their Challenge Cup opener, though they missed out on a bonus point. The match saw several injuries, adding to the team's roster concerns ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Why it matters
The result impacts the team's standing in the Challenge Cup and highlights the physical toll of the current rugby season.
Tries: Rosser, Owen, Tuitavuki, Paea Cons: De Beer 3 Pen: De Beer
Dragons started their Challenge Cup campaign with a hard-fought win against Perpignan at Rodney Parade.
Filo Tiatia's side, semi-finalists in 2025-26, ran in four tries in Newport to edge a scrappy opener, but did not claim a bonus point after this season's change in rules.
Perpignan led 7-5 after a drab first half by responding to Jared Rosser's opener with a try from Jules Coulon.
Dragons backs Aneurin Owen and Anzelo Tuitavuki scored either side of a powerful effort by Posolo Tuilagi to secure victory against their French opponents, with Fetuli Paea adding a flourish in the closing stages.
Five tries would have been needed for a bonus due to Perpignan, who are yet to win away from their Stade Aime Giral home this season, scoring twice.
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