Dragons co-captain Angus O’Brien has pledged to use their European Challenge Cup semi-final heartbreak as “fuel” for further progress.

The Newport-based region were narrowly defeated 18-12 by Montpellier, who set up a final with Ulster in the process.

A brace of tries from centre Aneurin Owen took Dragons to within a score, but they could not find the final opportunity to seal a third straight dramatic away victory in the Challenge Cup.

In what has been a season of renewal for Dragons, the Challenge Cup has been the proving ground for Filo Tiatia’s new brand of rugby. A mean defence, and shrewd attack marshalled by Tinus de Beer and Angus O’Brien, they have been much better than recent seasons, and competitive in matches against much richer sides.

Dragons finished bottom of the United Rugby Championship (URC) with a paltry nine points, but have picked up three wins and three draws this season, and a strong finish could see them climb as high as 12th by the end of the regular season.

While players are set to leave, and none more important than the Leicester Tigers-bound Wales regular Aaron Wainwright, Dragons’ recruitment has been good in recent seasons.

Bringing in Fetuli Paea and Fine Inisi have supplemented the backs division, while experienced props Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis have been important additions.

To replace Wainwright, Tiaita has identified Terrell Peita, who made his Blues debut in their Super Rugby win at Moana Pasifika last weekend.

“He will bring something different and is not Aaron Wainwright,” said Tiatia, who worked with Peita in New Zealand and described him as a “scrapper” who will “whack guys”.

Dragons have also confirmed the signing Tongan wing Anzelo Tuitavuki from Colomiers and have reportedly lined up an overseas scrum-half.

Whether Dragons reach defence coach Dale MacLeod’s ambitious target of URC top eight as soon as next season, the region’s revival has been a highlight of a tumultuous season in Welsh regional rugby.

The time to kick on is now.

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