THE FUSE

European Challenge Cup: Perpignan v Dragons

Venue: Stade Aime Giral, Perpignan Date: Sunday, 7 December Kick-off: 13:00 GMT

Coverage: Live score updates on the BBC Sport website and app

Dragons attempt to win for the first time in 2025 when they kick off their Challenge Cup campaign against a Perpignan side on an 11-game losing streak.

Filo Tiatia's side have not enjoyed a success since beating Newcastle in the second-tier European competition on 15 December last year.

They have endured a frustrating start to the United Rugby Championship (URC) after failing to take late opportunities in draws against Sharks and Ospreys.

Fresh from a battling and controversial 24-10 defeat to URC champions Leinster, Dragons' head coach Tiatia brings lock Ben Carter and wing Rio Dyer into the XV after they faced South Africa with Wales.

However, Brodie Coghlan returned from international duty with a niggle and joins fellow hookers Elliot Dee, James Benjamin and Oli Burrows on the sidelines.

That means Sam Scarfe will make his first professional start with Will Austin, who made his debut against Leinster after arriving on a short-term deal from Sale Sharks, registered for Europe to be his back-up.

Tight-head prop Luke Yendle makes his first Dragons appearance since suffering a knee injury in November 2024 as a starter while Tonga wing, centre Joe Westwood, loose-head prop Rodrigo Martinez and blind-side flanker Shane Lewis-Hughes also come into the XV.

They travel to Stade Aime Giral to face a Perpignan team who are bottom of the Top 14.

Perpignan stayed in France's top flight by winning a play-off against Pro D2's Grenoble last season.

They have started the season with 11 straight losses and have totted up just one consolation bonus.

Nonetheless, Perpignan will boast a power game that will put Dragons under pressure.

"Perpignan are a good side," insisted Tiatia. "They are in a similar place to us in the ladder and they have a proud history in European rugby.

"I've dealt with Perpignan a few times from when I played for Ospreys. When they play at home, they are a very proud team - it will be a good challenge for us.

"It's a special place to play. I'm looking forward to getting amongst it."

Perpignan: Petaia; Veredamu, Duguivalu, Paia'aua, Joseph; Kretchmann, Hall; Tetrashvili, Malolo, Roelofse, Le Corvec, Chinarro, Diaby, Ritchie (capt), Dvali.

Replacements: Montgaillard, Devaux, Fakatika, Lagvilava, Van Tonder, Aprasidze, Poulet, Fahy.

Dragons: Dragons: C Evans; Inisi, Richards, Westwood, Dyer; O'Brien, R Williams; Martinez, Scarfe, Yendle, Screech, Carter (captain), Lewis-Hughes, Young, Martin.

Replacements: Austin, Kelleher-Griffiths, Hunt, Langton-Cryer, Keddie, Hope, De Beer, E Rosser.

Referee: Federico Vedovelli (Italy)

Assistant referees: Riccardo Angelucci & Luca Bisetto (Italy)

TMO: Giuseppe Vivarini (Italy)