Dragons coach pinpoints biggest Edinburgh threat ahead of URC clash
Sean Everitt’s side head to Rodney Parade for their final away fixture of the 2025/26 season.
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia says he expects a ‘stern test’ when Edinburgh visit Rodney Parade this weekend.
The Welsh side are preparing for their final home match of the 2025/26 URC season and have named a strong team for the contest. It will be a special occasion for Wales international Aaron Wainwright as he makes his 100th league appearance for the club and final bow at their ground.
The 67-times capped forward is set to join Gallagher Premiership side Leicester Tigers next season. Also back in the Dragons’ starting line-up is fellow Welsh international Rhodri Williams, with the former Bristol Bears man in at scrum-half.
Dragons head coach ready for “good set piece team” as Edinburgh visit Rodney Parade
Speaking ahead of the match, Tiatia identified Edinburgh as a “good set piece team” who can be “very direct”. He said: “We’re looking forward to the game and want to finish the season strong. It’s our last home game and important to us how we front up.
“The fans are important to us too, the community we play in, so we need to put in a performance and really celebrate with a scrap at home. Edinburgh will pose a stern test. They are a good set piece team, have some good plays and can be very direct.”
Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt has several internationals back in the mix. Liam McConnell is also back fit and takes a spot amongst the replacements while Harry Patterson returns in the starting XV at full-back.
Captain Magnus Bradbury and winger Duhan van der Merwe both return from injury in time for Saturday’s match. Bradbury, who signed a one year contract extension earlier this week, will make his 150th appearance for the capital club should he feature from the bench.
Tiatia added: “They have a lot of international players in their squad so we are looking forward to them coming down on what will be a big night for us in front of our supporters.”
Following the trip to Dragons, which kicks off at 19:45pm on Saturday, the season comes to an end for Edinburgh next Friday, May 15, as Ulster visit the Hive.
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