Last-gasp Dragons stun Stade Francais to keep Welsh European hopes alive

A late try by prop Wyn Jones gave Dragons a big Challenge Cup last-16 scalp as they upset Stade Francais in Paris. Jones scored in the final minute to set up an away quarter-final against Zebre or Pau next Saturday evening. Dragons had opened up a 17-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to tries from full-back Angus O'Brien and hooker Brodie Coghlan.

Stade Francais responded with a hat-trick from impressive centre Samuel Ezeala and another score from number eight Yoan Tanga, with Louis Foursans-Bourdette kicking 12 points. Wales front-row pair Chris Coleman and Elliot Dee crossed for Dragons in the second half before fellow international Jones secured the win, with O'Brien's conversion completing a 16-point haul. It was a shock win because Stade Francais are third in the French Top 14 league, while Dragons are languishing in 15th place in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

This was a first Dragons away win of the 2025-26 season and their first victory on the road since defeating Newcastle in December 2024. Welsh interest will continue in Europe as a result. Cardiff and Ospreys were eliminated from the Challenge Cup on Saturday after being on the wrong end of controversial refereeing decisions against Benetton and Ulster, while Scarlets failed to emerge from the Champions Cup group stages.

Victory in the French capital also emulated another Dragons away success against Stade Francais in 2014 when O'Brien kicked 18 points. Revitalised Wales wing Dyer signs new Dragons deal Dragons avoided a scrum-half crisis with Rhodri Williams and Che Hope ruled out. Niall Armstrong was passed fit to start with Morgan Lloyd named on the bench.