Dragons overpowered as long wait for win continues

THE Dragons went down to French side Perpignan in the opening round of the Challenge Cup.

- 

Tries from James Hall, Mahamadou Diaby, Jefferson-Lee Joseph, Bastien Chinarro, a penalty try and Matteo Le Corvec condemned the Men of Gwent to yet another loss.

Joe Westwood and Wills Austin (two) scored in the second half for the visitors on a difficult afternoon which extended their losing run and they remain winless in 2025.

Last weekend the Dragons put up a valiant effort at Rodney Parade against giants Leinster, only to be denied by a controversial officiating decision late on.

Head coach Filo Tiatia was able to recall Wales duo Ben Carter and Rio Dyer for the clash against Perpignan, who are currently bottom of the Top 14 table and are winless this season.

The Dragons started positively, with the game being played in the home side’s half for the opening exchanges.

Sam Scarfe, on his first professional start, went close and was denied on the line following a lineout but a tap-and-go opportunity moments later was wasted.