Dragons target URC play-offs after breakthrough 2025-26 campaign

Previous campaign: 15th

Head coach: Filo Tiatia

Co-captains: Ben Carter and Angus O’Brien

Key man: Ryan Woodman. Losing number eight Aaron Wainwright to Leicester will be a major blow, but the blindside flanker could help ease the impact. Having played against the Barbarians for Wales last summer, the uncapped forward could make a strong case for selection in the World Cup squad.

Prospects: After a significantly improved 2025-26 campaign, the Dragons have set their sights on a place in the play-off race.

Tiatia’s side reached the Challenge Cup semi-finals and recorded the United Rugby Championship’s biggest improvement in points scored, rising from an embarrassing nine the previous season to 28.

Following four draws, the Dragons believe they can establish themselves in the contest for the top eight.

They will also aim to avoid finishing as Wales’ lowest-ranked side, a position they have occupied in 18 of the past 23 seasons, while ending a 21-match losing run against closest rivals Cardiff that dates back to 2015.

The Dragons made only three signings, with Tonga wing Anzelo Tu’itavuki the sole addition expected to feature during the opening block of the season.

After several summers of disruption, influential centre Aneurin Owen sees the stability as a positive.

“It has given us the opportunity to build on last season rather than start again,” he said.

“Change can be beneficial, but it can also be disruptive. We have built on our progress from last year and developed our game much further.”

The Dragons travel to face Benetton before playing five fixtures in Wales ahead of the break for the Nations Championship.

Their schedule includes home United Rugby Championship derbies against the Scarlets and Ospreys, a Challenge Cup opener against Perpignan, an away match against the Ospreys at the revamped St Helen’s and a fixture against Zebre in Newport.

“Last season, it felt as though we did not find our rhythm until December, when a victory helped build confidence,” Owen said.

“We need to move faster. There were encouraging signs last year, particularly in the cup, but we still finished 15th.”

“The challenge we have set ourselves is to make an immediate impact in both the league and Europe, and it all begins with this opening block. If we can build momentum and belief now, it will give us a strong platform.”

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