Tongan Prop Paula Latu's Debut Start for Dragons Against Edinburgh in Crucial URC Clash

Tonga international Paula Latu makes his first Dragons start against Edinburgh as both teams battle for crucial URC points in Friday night matchup.

Team News and Key Changes

Tonga international Paula Latu (29) will make his maiden start at tight-head prop for Dragons in Friday night's United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium. The Pacific Islander replaces injured Chris Coleman after impressing in seven substitute appearances since joining on short-term deal in December.

Dragons' Injury Crisis and Selection

  • Four changes to starting XV after 34-30 Ulster loss
  • Lock duo Matthew Screech (HIA) and George Nott (knee) replaced by Steve Cummins and Joe Davies
  • Loose-head Rodrigo Martinez returns after leg injury Notable milestone: Wing Jared Rosser could make 100th regional appearance off bench

Edinburgh's Six Nations Boost

Head coach Sean Everitt welcomes back five Scotland internationals:

  1. Jamie Ritchie (flanker)
  2. Duhan van der Merwe (wing)
  3. Darcy Graham (wing)
  4. Pierre Schoeman (prop)
  5. Grant Gilchrist (lock)

Match Context and Statistics

  • Dragons seek first URC win since season opener (12-game losing streak)
  • Edinburgh currently 11th, 2 points outside playoff spots
  • Last Scottish victory for Dragons: March 2012
  • Hive Stadium fortress: Edinburgh unbeaten in 7 matches vs Welsh regions

Coaches' Perspectives

Filo Tiatia (Dragons):

"Edinburgh play fast tempo rugby with excellent set pieces. We must apply pressure from the first whistle like we did against Ulster."

Sean Everitt (Edinburgh):

"Dragons' turnover threat makes them dangerous - their performance against Ulster showed they can't be underestimated in the 22."

Predicted Key Battles

  1. Front Row: Latu's scrummaging vs Schoeman's experience
  2. Breakdown: Ritchie/Watson vs Dragons' back row
  3. Wings: Van der Merwe/Graham vs Dyer/Hewitt footrace

Full Team Lineups

Edinburgh Starting XV: Wes Goosen; Darcy Graham, Matt Currie, James Lang, Duhan van der Merwe; Ross Thompson, Ben Vellacott (co-capt); Pierre Schoeman, Paddy Harrison, D'arcy Rae, Marshall Sykes, Grant Gilchrist (co-capt), Jamie Ritchie, Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury.

Dragons Starting XV: Huw Anderson; Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen (capt), Ashton Hewitt; Will Reed, Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Paula Latu, Joe Davies, Steve Cummins, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harrison Keddie, Aaron Wainwright.

Match Officials: Referee: Morné Ferreira (SARU) ARs: Jonny Perriam & Rob McDowell (SRU) TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)

Live Coverage Details

  • Kickoff: Friday 28 March, 19:35 GMT
  • Venue: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
  • Broadcast: BBC Two Wales, iPlayer, BBC Sport digital platforms
  • Highlights: BBC Sport website post-match

What to Read Next

Finn Russell's Magic in Rugby: A Battle for the European Challenge Cup
Rugby

Finn Russell's Magic in Rugby: A Battle for the European Challenge Cup

Sean Everitt on the challenges of facing Finn Russell in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Exeter Chiefs' Coaching Crisis After Record Loss
Rugby

Exeter Chiefs' Coaching Crisis After Record Loss

Exeter suspends coaches Hunter and Hepher after a disastrous Premiership loss.

Wales' Disappointing Six Nations Campaign and Path to Recovery
Rugby

Wales' Disappointing Six Nations Campaign and Path to Recovery

Wales' Six Nations campaign was eventful with losses. Coach Lynn aims to turn things around for World Cup.

South Africa's Danelle Lochner Inks Fresh Harlequins Contract
Rugby

South Africa's Danelle Lochner Inks Fresh Harlequins Contract

South Africa's Danelle Lochner signs a new deal with Harlequins.

Gloucester's Exciting Move: Signing Newcastle's Promising Redshaw
Rugby

Gloucester's Exciting Move: Signing Newcastle's Promising Redshaw

Gloucester signs Newcastle's Ben Redshaw for 2025-26 season.

The Unresolved Welsh Rugby Union Deal: A Challenging Standstill
Rugby

The Unresolved Welsh Rugby Union Deal: A Challenging Standstill

The WRU's deal with three professional sides remains undecided as the deadline passes.

Cardiff Boosted by Adams and Faletau for Thrilling Connacht Clash
Rugby

Cardiff Boosted by Adams and Faletau for Thrilling Connacht Clash

Cardiff, strengthened by Adams and Faletau, gears up for a challenging match against Connacht.

Ireland-England Rugby Encounter: Fiancee Face-Off and Team Spirit
Rugby

Ireland-England Rugby Encounter: Fiancee Face-Off and Team Spirit

Ireland's Cliodhna Moloney on facing England and fiancee Claudia MacDonald in Rugby.

England's New Rugby Kit Partnership with Castore
Rugby

England's New Rugby Kit Partnership with Castore

England Rugby secures an improved kit deal with Castore. Find out more!

Edinburgh Rugby: Cherry and Price's Departure and Future Paths
Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby: Cherry and Price's Departure and Future Paths

Edinburgh Rugby confirms the departures of Cherry and Price at the end of the season.

Leinster's Dominant Triumph: Crushing Glasgow and Advancing to Champions Cup Semi-Finals
Rugby

Leinster's Dominant Triumph: Crushing Glasgow and Advancing to Champions Cup Semi-Finals

Leinster dominated Glasgow, scored eight tries to reach the Champions Cup semi-finals.

Edinburgh's Triumphant Victory over Bulls in European Challenge Cup
Rugby

Edinburgh's Triumphant Victory over Bulls in European Challenge Cup

Edinburgh secures home semi-final in the European Challenge Cup by beating Bulls.

Glasgow Warriors' Triumphant Victory over Leicester Tigers Sets Up Leinster Showdown
Rugby

Glasgow Warriors' Triumphant Victory over Leicester Tigers Sets Up Leinster Showdown

Glasgow Warriors scored six tries to defeat Leicester Tigers and advance to face Leinster.

Sale vs Toulouse Rugby Match Delayed Due to Parachutist Incident
Rugby

Sale vs Toulouse Rugby Match Delayed Due to Parachutist Incident

The start of Sale's rugby game against Toulouse was delayed as a parachutist hung from the roof.

Jamie Benson's Contract Extension with Harlequins: A Bright Future Ahead
Rugby

Jamie Benson's Contract Extension with Harlequins: A Bright Future Ahead

Harlequins' fly-half Jamie Benson extends his contract. Learn about his journey and potential.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.