Welsh rugby team Dragons secured a 29-14 win over Perpignan in their Challenge Cup opener, scoring four tries but missing a bonus point due to rule changes.
The Dragons overcame a first-half deficit to defeat Perpignan 29-14 in their Challenge Cup campaign. They scored four tries but failed to earn a bonus point under revised rules. Jared Rosser opened the scoring in the fifth minute, but Perpignan led 7-5 at halftime after Jules Coulon’s try, converted by Tristan Tedder Yahoo. Dragons regained control in the second half, with Aneurin Owen, Anzelo Tuitavuki, and Fetuli Paea adding tries, while Tinus de Beer contributed three conversions and a penalty Tournaments. The match was played at Rodney Parade, with the Dragons’ starting lineup including Rio Dyer, who made his 100th appearance for the team Yahoo.
Rule Changes Affect Bonus Point Eligibility
The match revealed the Challenge Cup’s new rule changes, which require five tries for a bonus point. Perpignan, who had scored twice, needed Dragons to achieve this to earn the reward. Despite four tries, Dragons fell short, leaving the victory without the additional point Tournaments. BBC Sport noted the Welsh side’s semi-final finish in the 2025-26 season, but their opening fixture lacked the bonus point under this season’s adjustments Tournaments. Perpignan’s tries came from Jules Coulon and Posolo Tuilagi, with Tristan Tedder converting both Yahoo.
Lineup Adjustments and Upcoming Fixtures
Rio Dyer marked his 100th appearance for the team Yahoo. The side will next face South Africa’s Cheetahs in December before games against Bayonne and Ulster, aiming to secure a spot in the last 16 Yahoo. The Dragons’ upcoming fixtures include a December match against the Cheetahs at St Helen’s in Swansea, followed by January games against Bayonne in Newport and Ulster in Belfast Yahoo. Perpignan, who have yet to win away from their Stade Aime Giral home this season, scored twice but failed to secure a victory Yahoo.
77' TTRRRYYYY!!!!Fetuli Paea over after a superb break from deep arm Dyer, Tuitavuki and Rhodri Williams!!Dragons 29 Perpignan 14#WeAreGwentRugby pic.twitter.com/SI8dHt8jZP
The Dragons’ starting lineup featured Tinus de Beer, Rio Dyer, and Aneurin Owen. The team included Jared Rosser on the wing, Posolo Tuilagi at lock, and Fetuli Paea at centre Yahoo. Perpignan’s starting lineup included Tristan Tedder at full-back, Jules Coulon at flanker, and Posolo Tuilagi at lock, with replacement players such as Taty and Tuilagi available Yahoo. The match was officiated by referee Hanru van Rooyen from South Africa, with assistant referees Alex Thomas and Hamish Grant from England Yahoo. The TMO was David Rose from England Yahoo.
Player Performances and Stats
Jared Rosser’s try in the fifth minute moved him to 37 tries for Dragons, level with Ashton Hewitt on the club’s all-time list and six behind Aled Brew Tournaments. The Dragons’ first-half performance saw them struggle to capitalize on early opportunities, with a try by Jac Lloyd ruled out for crossing the line Yahoo. Perpignan dominated possession and territory in the first half, but the Dragons’ quick ball after a lineout in the 55th minute led to Aneurin Owen’s try Yahoo. Posolo Tuilagi’s try restored Perpignan’s lead before Tinus de Beer’s penalty gave the Dragons a 15-14 advantage Yahoo. Anzelo Tuitavuki’s try and de Beer’s conversion extended the lead, while Fetuli Paea scored the final try of the match Yahoo.
The Dragons’ performance in the Challenge Cup opener came at a cost. Rhodri and Wyn Jones exited the match a week after Rodrigo Martinez’s injury in a defeat by Ospreys Yahoo. Perpignan’s lack of away wins this season was highlighted by their 14-29 defeat, as they failed to secure a victory outside their home stadium Yahoo. The Dragons’ victory placed them in a strong position for the last 16, with two fixtures remaining in Wales before their December and January games Yahoo.
Maeโr Dreigiauโn croesawu Perpignan iโw gรชm gyntaf yng Nghwpan Her yr EPCR! ๐The Dragons welcome French side Perpignan for their 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup opener.๐@dragonsrfc v @usap_officiel ๐19:50๐บ @S4C , Clic, BBC iPlayer#ChallengeCupRugby | @dragonsrfc pic.twitter.com/eMxFcVojEI