Dragons RFC prepares for 2026-27 URC season

Dragons RFC enters the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship (URC) season looking to convert defensive improvements into more victories. While the Newport-based club finished 15th in the previous league campaign with only three wins, they showed significant progress in their defensive structure under head coach Filo Tiatia, reducing points conceded and tries allowed compared to the prior year.

A major highlight of the previous season was the club's performance in the EPCR Challenge Cup, where they reached the semifinals after a notable victory over Stade Français. However, the team struggled in the URC, recording four draws and failing to close out several close matches.

The squad faces significant changes heading into the new campaign, most notably the departure of Welsh international Aaron Wainwright to Leicester. To compensate, the team will look to build around key players such as lock Ben Carter, who maintained a high tackle success rate, and center Aneurin Owen, who has been named the club's Player of the Season for two consecutive years.