Dragons to take on English Premiership runners-up in countdown to new season

THE Dragons will play a second friendly in the west country to tune-up for the United Rugby Championship when they travel to Bath.

Dai Flanagan’s men will play the English Premiership runners-up at the Rec on Friday, September 13 (kick-off 7.15pm).

That will be second short trip over the Severn Bridge of the month with a game against Bristol at Clifton RFC on Friday, September 6.

The Dragons are also in negotiations about holding a home friendly against English opposition.

Flanagan's new-look squad will face a serious test in Bath against a side that were agonisingly close to winning the Premiership after being edged out in the final at Twickenham despite playing for most of the game with 14 men.

Talisman Finn Russell could well play in the friendly after the fly-half was rested by Scotland for their summer fixtures against Canada, USA, Chile and Uruguay.

The Dragons get the URC under way with a derby against the Ospreys at Rodney Parade on Saturday, September 21 and return for pre-season training next week.

Ticket prices for the Dragons' trip to Bath will start from£10 for adults, £5 for juniors and £7.50 for students. They go on sale on Monday, July 15.