How Wales’ sides can secure knockout rugby in Champions and Challenge Cups

At the start of the European campaign, Dragons’ trip to Benetton on Saturday would have seemed a write-off but now, thanks to three wins in four, they travel with hope.

Filo Tiatia’s men are fresh from victories against Lyon, Connacht and Scarlets plus a battling performance in a 22-19 defeat by Cardiff, when they were pushing at the death.

That run looked highly unlikely after Dragons slumped to a 41-17 loss at then winless Perpignan in their Challenge Cup opener.

Dragons then stunned Lyon 23-21 after trailing 21-6 in the final quarter and that means one more win could be enough for qualification.

If Dragons upset the odds at Benetton – who are fresh from a home loss to Edinburgh – then they will have a shot at earning a home knockout tie when hosting Newcastle in round four.

More likely is a must-win versus Red Bulls, who are bottom of the Prem but could arrive in Newport with three Challenge Cup victories, in a game that kicks off the final weekend.

Dragons have been strong at Rodney Parade in 2025-26 but have been poor travellers for years, so home advantage could be key and anything they can get from Parma would be welcome.

Dragons fixtures

• Benetton (away) – Saturday, 10 January (17:30 GMT)

• Newcastle (home) – Friday, 16 January (20:00 GMT)