The Dragons have secured three of their seven wins this season in away matches.
‘Did the Dragons lose?’ is an X account dedicated to posting a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ after each Dragons game.
Last season, the answer was overwhelmingly ‘yes,’ with 17 defeats out of 18 league games. However, this campaign has seen some memorable ‘no’ responses, including victories in European competition.
Filo Tiatia’s improved squad is preparing for a Challenge Cup semi-final clash against Montpellier on Sunday (12:30 BST), aiming to reach the final for the first time.
The Rodney Parade-based club previously reached the semi-finals of Europe’s second-tier tournament in 2007, 2015, and a decade ago, when they were defeated by their upcoming opponents.
The 2025-26 campaign started slowly, with the Dragons failing to secure a win until December. Their current record stands at seven wins, 12 losses, and three draws in 22 matches across all competitions.
The Dragons have not achieved seven wins in a season since the 2019-20 campaign, when Dean Ryan’s team celebrated nine victories and reached the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Dragons’ semi-final dedicated to Gwent and Wales
Dragons beat Zebre to set up Montpellier semi-final
Notable milestones this season include a five-match unbeaten home run and their first away league win in the URC in four years – their first outside Wales since October 2021.
This occurred when they defeated Zebre last weekend, marking a third consecutive away win – a rare feat in recent years.
While context is key, as the Dragons could still finish 15th out of 16 in the league and have lost more games than they’ve won, their performances have shown improvement.
They have become more resilient and secured victories in matches they would have previously lost, most notably the Challenge Cup last-16 tie against Stade Francais in Paris.
Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright has played in two World Cups
Former Dragons wing Ashton Hewitt described the semi-final as “massive” on BBC Scrum V’s ‘The Warm Up’ programme.
“Given all the criticism the Dragons have faced over the years for their performances, successes like this bring positivity,” said Hewitt.
“It’s great for Welsh rugby as a whole, and it’s nice to see the Dragons flying the flag for Wales.”
A key focus has been shifting the losing culture. The win/loss record of Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright, who will join Leicester next season, exemplifies the challenges faced.
Since his debut in 2017, Wainwright has recorded 33 wins in 135 games for the Dragons, with 95 defeats and seven draws. Six of those wins have come this season.
Co-captain Ben Carter has a similar number of victories this campaign, with an overall record of 19 wins in 80 games.
“I remember being in the changing rooms after matches we could have won, but we let slip or lost for various reasons,” said Carter.
“The confidence within the group now stems from the belief that we can turn those tight games into wins.”
Tiatia prefers to focus on the future rather than dwell on the past.
“The past is the past,” said the head coach. “I’m excited, I love the group – the players, coaches, and staff. I love Rodney Parade and the fans, and I’ve been welcomed with open arms.”
“We’ve made some changes in terms of where we’re trying to go.”
“We have a lot of work to do, but we’re moving in the right direction, and they are good people to work with.”
“For this group, it’s about staying grounded, knowing we’re representing ourselves, but also the people of Gwent.”
Filo Tiatia initially joined the Dragons as defence coach before taking over as head coach following Dai Flanagan’s departure in the 2024-25 season.
Tiatia has been instrumental in the team’s turnaround.
While he typically maintains a reserved public persona, the quarter-final win against Zebre in Italy offered a rare glimpse of him leading the celebrations.
“The huddle is a personal thing, and it was great to see it captured on screen. I was so proud of the players,” said Tiatia.
Former Wales fly-half James Hook, who played with Tiatia at Ospreys, described him as “an animal on the field and your nan’s favourite off it.”
“You don’t see everything of me; maybe you see some of the little bits,” said Tiatia.
“What I give you is what I give you. When I’m watching the game, I’m not overly emotional, but people who know me know the true me.”
Tiatia is in his first full season as head coach and believes that getting to know the players has been a crucial factor in the team’s improvement.
“One of the biggest things is caring for one another,” said Tiatia.
“Players and staff understanding each other on a deeper level – not just superficially, but bone-deep.”
“Understanding that it’s people first, then understanding the player. That’s been a significant shift – not just trying to get the best out of them, but also having players take responsibility.”
Tiatia elaborated on what he meant by “bone-deep.”
“Superficial understanding is knowing people by face and respectfully saying hello,” said Tiatia.
“On a deeper level, I will introduce myself to you and tell you where I’m from.”
“I’m from Wellington. I’m Samoan. My first language was Samoan, then English. I speak Japanese, and a little Italian.”
“I’m a learner, an introvert, and a trained extrovert. When I’m stressed, I tend to be quiet.”
“When I’m quiet, I’m thinking about my family first and foremost.”
“I was taught by my parents early on that gratitude is one of the greatest strengths – understanding what you have and being grateful for it.”
“Those are the things I would share at a bone-deep level. We then have a deeper understanding of each other, our morals, and our values.”
“Also, I can now relate to the group by sharing the mistakes I’ve made as a young person.”
“I don’t want the players to make the same mistakes, and I want them to become the best versions of themselves. So it’s not just coaching – it’s holistic growth.”
The Warm Up: ‘Your nan’s favourite’
Tiatia is determined that the discussion of the Dragons’ revival does not center solely on him, despite suggestions that he has “lifted the group up.”
“I wouldn’t say that; it’s a collective effort, not just one person,” said Tiatia.
“The biggest change from last season is probably the effort to understand who we are and how we’re moving forward together.”
Tiatia has praised the leadership group, with co-captains Carter and Angus O’Brien supported by Aneurin Owen and Harrison Keddie.
Wales flanker Thomas Young is also part of this group, contributing to an improved recruitment drive.
This includes fellow Wales forwards Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, and Seb Davies, South African duo Tinus de Beer and Rob Hunt, and Tongan pair Fine Inisi and Fetuli Paea.
“The leadership group I’ve worked with has been outstanding,” said Tiatia.
“They have challenged the group – because challenge is essential for improvement – and the players have taken responsibility.”
“The coaches have been excellent in mentoring the players and shaping the team.”
“Hobbsy (Sam Hobbs) has been great with the forward pack, and Matt O’Brien has been working well with the backs.”
“They’re moving in the right direction and are good men to work with.”
Dale Macleod previously worked with Filo Tiatia in Super Rugby, assisted Moana Pasifika, and worked with Tonga during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Tiatia has also been joined in his backroom staff by Dale MacLeod, whom he knew in New Zealand.
MacLeod and former Wales flanker Dan Lydiate have helped solidify the Dragons’ defense.
They conceded 637 points in the URC last season, compared to 422 this season, with two games remaining.
“Filo has done a good job with the leadership group, and the players have grown,” said MacLeod.
“When I arrived, I learned a lot about how the boys interact and go about their business.”
“Many of them have been through the wringer in the past couple of years, and they’ve learned from those situations.”
Despite Montpellier being the clear favorites this weekend, MacLeod believes the Dragons are capable of achieving the biggest win in their 23-year history.
“There’s no reason why we can’t go there and do it,” added MacLeod.
“We know that it’s going to take our best effort of the year. They’re one of the best teams in Europe, but I back the boys to go out there and give it a good crack.”
“This is what a semi-final is all about.”
“People question whether we deserve to be there. We would say yes, but others might feel differently.”
“We’re going there with the right attitude, not just to make up the numbers. We’re going there to win.”
Strong sentiments. We await to see the latest answer from the ‘Did the Dragons lose?’ account on Sunday afternoon.