Dragons win outside of Wales in URC for first time in five years amid late drama

Dragons beat Zebre 19-18 thanks to a late try that secured a first victory away from home in the URC since 2022

The Dragons won away from home in the United Rugby Championship for the first time in four years after a last gasp try from wing David Richards sealed a dramatic comeback. It was their first win outside of Wales in the competition since 2021.

Dragons trailed 18-14 in the final minute before Richards dived over to snatch his side a rare win on the road and lift them up to 14th in the table above Welsh rivals Scarlets.

It also gives them a huge boost before their Challenge Cup semi-final in Montpelier next month.

Wing Jared Rosser’s try gave Dragons a 7-3 half-time lead, but they fell behind early in the second period when Zebre hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo touched down.

Dragons retook the lead through second row Ben Carter’s 67th-minute try before Zebre responded again to go 18-14 ahead when Samuele Locatelli went over for their second try.

But in the final play of the game Dragons threw the ball wide and Richards raced on to fly-half Tinus de Beer’s superb flicked pass to go over in the corner.

Dragons co-captain Angus O’Brien said: “We knew it was going to be tough after we came here two weeks ago in the European competition.

“Zebre put up a massive performance but I am proud of how we fought until the very last minute.

“That’s two of the last four games that we have won with the last play and that shows the character and grit of this team.”