NEWPORT Gwent Dragons start their Amlin Challenge Cup European adventure away at Italian semi-professional side Cavalieri Prato.

The Dragons face the Tuscan side at Stadio Lungobisenzio on Saturday, November 12.

Their first home game sees them entertain James Hook’s Perpignan at Rodney Parade just five days later.

They face the crack French Top 14 side on Thursday, November 17 at 7.45pm.

They could face former Dragons centre Phil Dollman and Wales prop Craig Mitchell when they travel to Devon for their third round game.

Exter Chiefs’ Sandy Park awaits them for their clash with the Aviva Premiership side who finished eighth in their inaugural season during the 2010-11 campaign.

The game takes place on Sunday, December 11 at 7.45pm.

Their next game sees them welcome the Chiefs back home at Rodney Parade on Sunday, December 18 at 5.45pm.

The dates for their two remaining games – away to Perpignan at the Stade Aimé Giral and home to Cavalieri Prato – take place between January 12-15 and January 19-22 respectively.

The Dragons have reached the semi-final of the competition in the past.

They got through to the last four in 2007 before going down away to eventual winners ASM Clermont Auvergne by 46-29.

Dragons Amlin Challenge Cup fixtures for 2011/12: Round 1: Cavalieri Prato (Away) at Stadio Lungobisenzio on Saturday, November 12 (2.30pm)

Round 2: Perpignan (Home) at Rodney Parade on Thursday, November 17 (7.45pm)

Round 3: Exeter Chiefs (Away) at Sandy Park on Sunday, December 11 (5.45pm)

Round 4: Exeter Chiefs (Home) at Rodney Parade on Sunday, December 18 (5.45pm)

Round 5: Perpignan (Away) at Stade Aimé Giral, TBC January 12/13/14/15

Round 6: Cavalieri Prato (Home) at Rodney Parade TBC January 19/20/21/22.