When Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia dedicated his side’s quarter-final victory over Zebre to the people of Gwent, he demonstrated the renewed connection that Dragons have made with their fanbase this season.

With the 32-35 victory in Italy, the Newport-based side reached their third European semi-final and first for 10 years, their run in Europe the highlight of a season of renewal.

Last season, Tiatia’s impact felt like a man trying to stop the tide.

Following what felt like a breakthrough opening day victory over Ospreys, Dragons went on to lose their remaining 17 United Rugby Championship games, ending the season with a lowly nine points, 20 behind Zebre in second bottom.

In 18 league games, they scored four tries in a single game just once – in a 30-33 defeat to the Sharks where the Dragons led deep into the red, only for a late try to sink them.

Immense credit should go to Tiatia for managing this group into it’s turnaround.

Off the pitch, the Dragons were busy in the transfer and commercial markets, bringing in international calibre talents such as Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Fine Inisi, Fetuli Paea, and signing sponsors like Dragon Signs and Colour Studios to important deals.

Add in some shrewd deals for Wales U20s captain Harry Beddall, man mountain Levi Douglas, and Cardiff trio Seb Davies, Thomas Young, and Tinus de Beer.

After two agonising draws in the URC to Sharks and Ospreys made the Rodney Parade faithful wait for that elusive win, the catharsis came all at once with four wins in six over the winter block.

Two of the victories came in the European Challenge Cup Pool Stage – over Lyon and Newcastle – leading to their qualification to the knock outs.

With Dragons’ early season form seeing the URC play-offs remain out of reach for another year, the Challenge Cup took extra significance.

Standing in their way though, was French giants Stade Francais.

The Dragons flew out of the blocks at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris, scoring two early tries to go 0-17 up.

Their French adversaries were not going to roll over easily, though, scoring three of their own to turn the tables early in the second half.

When replacement Wyn Jones crashed over with a minute left to regain the lead for Welsh side, the scenes were dramatic.

For a side that had not won away from home at all during the 2025/26, despite the resurgence, this was another step on the road to improvement.

Their last 16 victory rewarded them with another way trip, this time to more familiar foes Zebre Parma.

As the last Welsh side in Europe, the match had already taken on extra significance, especially considering the constant background noise.

With Dragons’ on pitch performance lagging behind the other three regions, and the Welsh Rugby Union looking to cut a professional team as soon as possible, rival fans often pointed towards the Gwent region’s results as reasons for their possible demise.

However, the Dragons represent a large area of Welsh rugby hotbed, and off the pitch are arguably the best run region, operating within their means since the private consortium bought the club in September 2023.

That’s why, when the Dragons again scored more than 30 points in a thrilling victory over Zebre in the quarter-finals, Tiatia dedicated the win to the people of Gwent and Wales as a whole.

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

The Dragons have chartered a direct flight to Montpellier for Sunday’s semi-final clash, with seats filling up fast as fans and sponsors alike scramble to be at a potentially historic moment.

Facing another expensively assembled French giant, Tiatia has challenged his side to enjoy the week, but produce when it matters at the Septeo Stadium.

“It’s a semi-final and it’s been a while for the club – they boys are excited,” he said.

“I’ve spoken about identity and who we’re representing. It hasn’t changed. The boys are looking forward to this game and so they should be.

“We’ve reviewed Zebre, understood some of the milestones that came out of that game and then moved forward to Montpellier.

“There’s always an opportunity to keep learning, and how do we keep improving? We’re excited about the possibility of earning another week, and that’s all it is.

“Finals and knockout footy is a special occasion,” he added. “I’ve been in a few finals and semi-finals and they are special.

“There are a few players in our squad that haven’t been in them. I want them to enjoy the week, get the detail right, then come Sunday we have a scrap.

“A lot of old mates have messaged and wished us luck. I don’t follow too much on social media, but I’ve heard that fans from the Ospreys, Cardiff and Scarlets are wishing Dragons all the best. I think that’s great.

“It’s great being in a semi-final, a team from Wales, and there’s certainly a lot of talent here, and not just our club, but with four regions.”

Looking at selection ahead of Friday’s team announcement, Tiatia added: “It’s been interesting. We’ve got a lot of players that have fought for trying to earn of a spot in the jersey.

“There’s a lot of players that are disappointed that they haven’t been picked. We’re trying to form competition and it’s a healthy thing.

“The club hasn’t been in a semi-final for a while, so it means a lot to all the players – I’d be disappointed if they weren’t disappointed, but they are.

“It means that they care about the club, but also around performances and opportunities.”

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