Event: Aimé Giral Stadium, Perpignan Date: Sunday December 7 Kick off: 13:00 GMT
Coverage: Live results updates on the BBC Sport website and app
The Dragons will attempt to win for the first time in 2025 when they begin their Challenge Cup campaign against a Perpignan team on an 11-game losing streak.
Filo Tiatia’s side have not enjoyed any success since beating Newcastle in the European second division competition on December 15 last year.
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They have made a frustrating start to the United Rugby Championship (URC) after failing to capitalize on late opportunities in draws against the Sharks and Ospreys.
Fresh off a contentious and contentious 24-10 defeat to URC champions Leinster, Dragons head coach Tiatia brings lock Ben Carter and flanker Rio Dyer into the XV after they faced South Africa with Wales.
However, Brodie Coghlan returned from international duty with a problem and joins fellow hookers Elliot Dee, James Benjamin and Oli Burrows on the sidelines.
That means Sam Scare will make his first professional start under Will Austin, who made his debut against Leinster after arriving on a short-term contract from Sale Sharks, registered in Europe to be his back-up.
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Tighthead prop Luke Yendle makes his first appearance for the Dragons since suffering a knee injury in November 2024 as a starter, while Tongan flanker center Joe Westwood, loosehead prop Rodrigo Martinez and blindside flanker Shane Lewis-Hughes also enter the XV.
They travel to the Stade Aime Giral to face a Perpignan team that is last in the Top 14.
Perpignan remained in France’s top flight by winning a play-off against Pro D2 side Grenoble last season.
They started the season with 11 consecutive losses and only earned one consolation bonus.
However, Perpignan will display a power play that will put pressure on the Dragons.
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“Perpignan is a good team,” Tiatia insisted. “They are in a similar place to us in the standings and have a proud history in European rugby.
“I have played with Perpignan several times since I played for Ospreys. When they play at home, they are a very proud team, it will be a good challenge for us.
“It’s a special place to play. I really want to be there.”
how they line up
Perpignan: Petaya; Veredamu, Duguivalu, Paia’aua, Joseph; Kretchmann, Hall; Tetrashvili, Malolo, Roelofse, Le Corvec, Chinarro, Diaby, Ritchie (captain), Dvali.
Replacements: Montgaillard, Devaux, Fakatika, Lagvilava, Van Tonder, Aprasidze, Poulet, Fahy.
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Dragons: Dragons: C Evans; Inisi, Richards, Westwood, Dyer; O’Brien, R Williams; Martínez, Bufanda, Yendle, Screech, Carter (captain), Lewis-Hughes, Young, Martin.
Replacements: Austin, Kelleher-Griffiths, Hunt, Langton-Cryer, Keddie, Hope, De Beer, E Rosser.
Referee: Federico Vedovelli (Italy)
Assistant referees: Riccardo Angelucci and Luca Bisetto (Italy)
TMO: Giuseppe Vivarini (Italy)