After a dramatic comeback victory over Lyon in the European Challenge Cup, the Dragons sang a victory song for the first time in 364 days.
Now, they’re tasked with repeating the trick, albeit with a six-day turnaround time.
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Rodney Parade Club recorded their first win of 2025, beating their French opponents 23-21 in Newport on Sunday.
Philo Tiadia’s side looked doomed when they trailed 21-6 in the final quarter, but late goals from Harri Keddie (2) and Oli Burrows set up defender Angus O’Brien to score the winning goal in the 80th minute.
The Dragons ended their wait for victory with a Challenge Cup win over Newcastle on 15 December 2024.
It was their first win at home since defeating the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on the opening weekend of the 2024-25 season – a 14-month wait – and they will soon be able to enjoy it.
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Connacht travel to Wales on Saturday (19:45 GMT) and the Dragons know their performance will have to be several notches better than the one that ultimately beat a poor Lyon side.
“It feels great and the most important thing is we won,” said O’Brien, who captained the Welsh side in the absence of regular Ben Carter.
“The kids showed great character, grit and determination. I’m delighted for everyone that we successfully crossed the finish line.
“It’s important now that we build on that and be confident in the way we finish the game.”
Newport lacks home comforts
Newport County’s home struggle continues after defeat by Fleetwood [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
The Rodney Parade home locker room hasn’t always been a pleasant place to be this year.
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Relegation-threatened Newport County are yet to win at home in 2025-26, despite a penalty shootout victory over Gillingham in the FA Cup.
The Exiles lost 2-0 at home to Fleetwood Town on Saturday, taking just two points from a possible 30 from Rodney Parade, leaving their Football League status under serious threat.
The Dragons missed out on a chance to win as they tied with the Sharks and Ospreys in URC Division One.
The only success before the Lyon game was Newport RFC, who beat Cardiff City in a game that moved from their Spiti Park base to their historic home ground.
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O’Brien added: “We’ve been so close on so many occasions in the Rodney Parade and crossing the finish line means a lot to us.”
“We have to build after grinding and finding a way. The fans deserve it more than anyone and I’m glad we gave them something to celebrate.
“We have two draws that we could or should have won, which is hard to accept, but it’s important to build on that now.”
Sunday’s return is head coach Rodney Parade’s first success since he was promoted from defense coach to replace Day Flanagan.
“We didn’t play well but I’m really happy that the players found a way to win,” said the former All Black back-row forward.
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“They’ve got the win they’ve been looking for and we have to keep working hard. We’re our third game in ten weeks and we’ve still got seven games to play.
“The injury situation in all the teams is very serious at the moment, so we have to be ready to go again.
“Everyone is delighted and now they can train freely and build on what we have started.”
The Dragons hope the old cricket adage is appropriate – one brings two.