Newport Gwent Dragons kept Welsh hopes in Europe burning with a stunning victory over French giants Perpignan at Rodney Parade.

The Dragons began the game as the only Welsh region with a win in Europe under their belts and the hopes of a nation on their shoulders.

But despite the pressure and the loss of skipper Jason Forster to appendicitis in mid-week, they responded in emphatic style to score four tries and bag a bonus point.

Nathan Brew and Gareth Cooper provided the spark behind a dominant display up-front as the Dragons overtook their more illustrious opponents in Pool 5.

Cooper, who lost the Wales number nine jersey following injury last month, proved he was back to his best with a stunning opening try after a nervy half an hour.

The second half exploded into life with three tries in ten minutes. Brew scorched through to send over Kevin Morgan before scoring himself.

Perpignan replied through ex-All Black No8 Scot Robertson but they could not stop Brew who bashed his way over the line for a crucial score on 50 minutes.

Tuipulotu added the bonus point before Manny Edmonds benefited from a deflected kick off Percy Montgomery's finger tips as the Dragons eased off.