Dragons overturn half-time deficit to beat Perpignan 29-14

Dragons began their Challenge Cup campaign with a 29-14 victory over Perpignan at Rodney Parade, recovering from a 7-5 half-time deficit to score four tries. BBC Sport reported that the Welsh side, who reached the semi-finals in 2025-26, won their opening fixture without collecting a try bonus point under the competition's revised rules for this season.

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Jared Rosser gave the hosts an early advantage, finishing on the left after a sequence of attacking phases in the fifth minute. His try took him to 37 for Dragons, level with Ashton Hewitt in second place on the club's all-time list and six behind Aled Brew. The promising opening did not lead to sustained control, however, as Perpignan took charge of possession and territory.

The visitors turned that pressure into points when flanker Jules Coulon scored from short range approaching the half-hour mark. Tristan Tedder's conversion put Perpignan 7-5 ahead, a lead they carried into the interval. Dragons also had a Jac Lloyd try ruled out for crossing and failed to make the most of attacking opportunities after opting against attempts at goal.

The home side found a way through in the 55th minute, using quick lineout possession to create a try for centre Aneurin Owen. Perpignan responded through Posolo Tuilagi, whose powerful finish restored their advantage. With around 15 minutes remaining, Tinus de Beer landed a penalty to put Dragons back in front at 15-14, leaving the contest finely balanced heading into its closing stages.

Anzelo Tuitavuki then scored from close range, and De Beer added a difficult conversion to extend the home lead. Fetuli Paea followed with his first try for the club late in the match. Those two finishes helped Dragons turn a one-point advantage into a 15-point winning margin, with De Beer contributing three conversions and a penalty overall.

There was no additional reward for the hosts' four tries. BBC Sport explained that, with Perpignan scoring twice, Dragons needed five tries to earn the bonus under the changed rules. They could not add another before the finish, while Perpignan remained without an away victory this season.