The Dragons are set to carry Welsh hopes across Europe this weekend as they prepare to face Montpellier in the Challenge Cup semi-final on Sunday (12:30 BST). As the only Welsh team remaining in either European tournament, Filo Tiatia's side is embracing the responsibility of representing an entire nation.

"I've heard a lot of fans from Ospreys, Cardiff and Scarlets are wishing the Dragons all the best," said Tiatia. "It's great being a team from Wales in the semi-finals. There's a lot of talent not just here but with all the four regions."

This marks the Dragons' first semi-final appearance in 10 years, and the team is feeling the support from across Wales. Co-captain and Wales lock Ben Carter echoed that sentiment, noting, "I've spoken to a few people that have wished us well from outside that Dragons circle. We are looking forward to going out there and sort of showing what we can do."

The Dragons have a mixed history in Challenge Cup semi-finals, having fallen to Clermont in 2007 and Edinburgh eight years later. Their most recent semi-final defeat came in 2016, a 22-12 loss to Montpellier—the same opponent they face this weekend. Montpellier went on to win the tournament that year and repeated the feat five years later.

Only two players from that 2016 squad remain for this weekend's clash: hooker Elliot Dee and full-back Angus O'Brien. For the rest of the team, this is uncharted territory. "There's new experiences for everyone and we're excited about the possibility of earning another week in this tournament," Tiatia added. "It's a special occasion and there's a few players in our squad that haven't been in semi-finals."

To reach the final in Bilbao on 22 May, Carter emphasized the need for a complete performance. "We need to turn up with the right mindset because everyone knows what's at stake. It's about showing what Welsh rugby is capable of on the big stage."

With the support of the entire nation behind them, the Dragons are ready to write a new chapter in their European history.