European Challenge Cup: Perpignan v Dragons
Place: Perpignan Aimé Girard Stadium date: Sunday, December 7 kick off: 13:00 GMT
Coverage: Live score updates on the BBC Sport website and app
The Dragons are trying to win for the first time in 2025 when they face Perpignan in the Challenge Cup, having suffered an 11th straight defeat.
Philo Tiatia’s side have not won since beating Newcastle in Europe’s second tier on December 15.
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They endured a frustrating start to the United Rugby Championship (URC) as they failed to capitalize on late chances in draws against the Sharks and Ospreys.
Fresh off a controversial 24-10 loss to URC champions Leinster, Dragons head coach Tiadia will bring lock Ben Carter and winger Leo Dyer into the XV following a clash with Wales against South Africa.
However, Brodie Coghlan was troubled when he returned from international duty and was joined on the sidelines by fellow hookers Elliot Dee, James Benjamin and Ollie Burrows.
It means Sam Scarfe will make his professional debut alongside Will Austin, who made his debut against Leinster after signing a short-term contract with Sale Sharks and registered for Europe as his replacement.
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Tight end prop Luke Yendle made his first appearance for the Dragons since sustaining a knee injury in November 2024 as a starter, while Tongan winger, center Joe Westwood, loose end prop Rodrigo Martinez and blindside flanker Shane Lewis-Hughes also made their way into the XV.
They will travel to the Stade Aimé Girard to face Perpignan, who are bottom of the last 14.
Perpignan stayed in France’s top flight last season by beating Pro D2 side Grenoble in the play-offs.
They started the season on an 11-game losing streak and received just one consolation bonus.
Still, Perpignan will have a strong game that will keep the Dragons under pressure.
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“Perpignan is a good team,” Tiatia insisted. “They are in a similar position to us on the ladder and they have a proud history in European rugby.
“I’ve played against Perpignan a few times since I played for Ospreys. They are a very proud team when they play at home – it will be a good challenge for us.
“This is a special place to play. I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
how they line up
Perpignan: Petaya; Veredamu, Duguivalu, Paia’aua, Joseph; Kretschmann, Hall; Tetrashvili, Malolo, Roelofse, Le Corvec, Chinarro, Diaby, Ritchie (captain), Dvali.
Alternatives: Montgaillard, Devaux, Fakatika, Lagvilava, Van Tonder, Aprasidze, Poulet, Fahy.
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dragon: Dragons: C. Evans; Inisi, Richards, Westwood, Dale; O’Brien, R. Williams; Martinez, Scarf, Yandel, Scream, Carter (captain), Lewis-Hughes, Young, Martin.
Alternatives: Austin, Kelleher-Griffith, Hunter, Langton-Clare, Cady, Hope, DeBeer, E. Rosser.
referee: Federico Vitovelli (Italy)
Assistant referee: Riccardo Angelucci and Luca Bissetto (Italy)
Technology Management Office: Giuseppe Vivarini (Italy)
