Dragons RFC head coach Filo Tiatia dedicated his side’s 32-35 victory over Zebre to the people of Gwent and Wales after his side reached a first European semi-final in over a decade.

Dragons will travel to France to face Montpellier on Sunday May 3rd for that semi-final, having come out on top after a ding-dong battle with their Italian opponents in the quarter-finals.

Two tries from flanker Harrison Keddie, further scores from centre Fine Inisi and hooker Elliot Dee, and 15 points from the boot of full-back Angus O’Brien saw the Welsh side open up a 15-point second half lead, before two late Zebre tries threatened a comeback.

“We’re very happy,” said former All Black Tiatia.

“We’re representing the people of Gwent but also Wales as well. I’m proud of the effort of all the players and grateful we got through. We’re looking forward to the semi-final. We’ll get ready and look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Dragons and Zebre traded tries in a tense first half which ended 17-17 before tries from Keddie and Dee opened up what would prove to be an unassailable lead for the visitors.

“In the first half we conceded too many penalties and with the two yellow cards we were under the pump and kept Zebre in the game,” added Tiatia.

“It was our lack of discipline and easy turnovers and we wanted to limit both of those in the second half. We needed to make some changes around our mentality and possession.”

After the break Tiatia’s men were the more clinical side to secure a second away win of the season.

“We came away with some points at the start of the second half and got our noses in front,” said the 54-year-old coach.

“We tried to stay in front for the last 10 minutes and they fought hard. They are a proud nation and a tough bunch here.

“There are things we need to tidy up, how we stay on mentally, but it is about who wins the game and we held on.”

Dragons chief executive Rhys Blumberg added on social media: “This group is special and deserve nothing less. We are really proud.”

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