Dragons Remain Sole Welsh Representatives in Europe
A late try by prop Wyn Jones secured a significant Challenge Cup upset as the Dragons defeated Stade Francais in Paris during the last-16 tie. Jones' score in the final minute set up an away quarter-final against Zebre or Pau scheduled for next Saturday evening.
The Dragons established an early 17-0 lead in the first quarter, courtesy of tries from full-back Angus O'Brien and hooker Brodie Coghlan. Stade Francais responded strongly with a hat-trick from centre Samuel Ezeala and a try from number eight Yoan Tanga, with Louis Foursans-Bourdette contributing 12 points through kicks.
In the second half, Wales front-row players Chris Coleman and Elliot Dee crossed for the Dragons, before Jones' late try sealed the victory. O'Brien's conversion completed a 16-point personal tally.
This result was unexpected given Stade Francais' third-place standing in the French Top 14 league, contrasting with the Dragons' 15th position in the United Rugby Championship (URC). It marked the Dragons' first away win of the 2025-26 season and their first road victory since beating Newcastle in December 2024.
The win ensures continued Welsh participation in European competition. Cardiff and Ospreys were eliminated from the Challenge Cup following controversial referee decisions in their matches against Benetton and Ulster, respectively, while Scarlets did not advance from the Champions Cup group stages.
The victory also mirrored a previous Dragons away success against Stade Francais in 2014, when O'Brien scored 18 points.
Team Updates and Player Performances
The Dragons averted a scrum-half crisis with Rhodri Williams and Che Hope sidelined; Niall Armstrong was declared fit to start, with Morgan Lloyd named on the bench. The side made three changes from their URC defeat to the Lions, welcoming back fly-half Tinus de Beer, wing David Richards, and lock Levi Douglas.
Stade Francais entered the match with only 10 players retained from their recent 64-20 victory over Clermont Auvergne, including England centre Joe Marchant. They had secured fourth seeding for the knockout stages by winning three of four pool games and maintained a strong position in the Top 14.
The Dragons, more settled in their lineup, opened the scoring with an O'Brien penalty before he scored a well-executed converted try directly from a line-out. Coghlan, recently signed to a new contract, extended the lead by diving over from a driving maul.
Flanker Thomas Young's turnover skills benefited the Dragons, although they lost the physical presence of Douglas, who was replaced by Seb Davies. Stade Francais' lock Setareki Turagacoke was initially awarded a try, but after video review, the grounding was ruled short due to effective defensive work by de Beer.
Despite this, the hosts gained momentum, with Ezeala scoring twice just before halftime.
Jones Emerges as Unlikely Hero
The Dragons held a narrow three-point lead, which was erased when Tanga powered over for Stade Francais. Coghlan conceded a penalty for a high tackle, converted by Foursans-Bourdette.
The Dragons responded with a try from Coleman, with O'Brien's conversion leveling the scores. Stade Francais took the lead again as Ezeala completed his hat-trick, but the Dragons remained resilient.
Replacement hooker Dee scored after a driving maul, though O'Brien missed the conversion and a late penalty attempt. The visitors maintained composure, culminating in a flowing move finished by Jones' try, which thrilled the travelling supporters.
Match Details
Stade Francais: Ibo; Laloi, Marchant, Ezeala, Etien; Foursans-Bourdette, Abadie; Iscaro, Peyresblanques, Lux, Azagoh, Turagacoke, Scelzo, Chapuis (capt), Tanga.
Replacements: Garcia Albo, Paiva, P Alo-Emile, Huguet, Briatte, Motassi, Vili, Henry.
Dragons: O'Brien (co-capt); Richards, Inisi, Owen, Dyer; de Beer, Armstrong; Martinez, Coghlan, Coleman, Douglas, Carter (co-capt), Woodman, Young, Wainwright.
Replacements: Dee, W Jones, James, S Davies, Keddie, M Lloyd, Paea, Anderson.
Match Officials
Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby & Christopher Allison (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
