Monthly Archives: September 2021

Ebbw Vale Side To Play Cardiff 

The Steelmen have named their squad to take on Cardiff this Saturday in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup at Eugene Cross Park 2:30pm. 

We are calling on all the Ebbw Vale addicts to Pack The Bank and shout on the Steelmen

1) Luke Garett

2) Joe Franchi © 

3) Dave Whiting

4) Lance Randell

5) Corey Talbot

6) Scott Parsons

7) Alex Grey

8) Lewis Young

9) Che Hope

10) Lewis K Williams

11) Euan Rosser

12) Dom Franchi

13) Ryan Evans

14) Jordan Thomas

15) Dafydd Howells

16) Joel Harries

17) Connor Chapman

18) Rob Sevenoaks

19) Dan Hill

20) Ethan Doyle

21) Matthew Flanagan

22) Ethan Phillips

23) Carrick McDonough

Ebbw Vale extended their unbeaten start to the season to two wins from two after defeating Pontypridd at CiNER Glass Community Stadium Eugene Cross Park

The Steelmen entered the game high in confidence having overcome Merthyr at the death in last weeks Welsh Premiership Cup game at The Wern.

In a reasonably dominant first half for Ebbw, flyhalf Lewis K Williams, who kicked the winning points last week, landed two penalties meaning the hosts went into half-time leading 6-0, despite going down a man for 10 minutes after centre Ethan Phillips was sent to the sun bin for a late tackle.

After the break, Ebbw were once again reduced to 10 men as Alex Grey was sent to the sin bin. Pontypridd outside-half Ben Burnell, son of their coach Justin, who was voted man of the Match by the Pontypridd fans in their previous game, landed Pontys first points.

In the latter quarter of the game Williams and Burnell traded a penalty each before Ebbw centre Dom Franchi scored the forth try of the day, proving to be the difference between the two sides on the night.

Ebbw now remain the only unbeaten side in the East conference of the Welsh Premiership Cup sitting top of the table with 8 points.

Head coach Greg Woods commented; “We are extremely happy to win on Saturday as it was always going to be a tough encounter versus a proud club like Pontypridd RFC. I felt we controlled possession and terrority well and showed some nice glimpses of the attacking game that we want to impose on sides this year. Areas to work on is obviously cutting out the 2 yellow cards (although I thought we managed those 10 minutes periods superbly a man down) and also being more ruthless with scoring opportunities we felt we left a few out there. Turning our attention to this week it’s a huge challenge coming our way in the shape of Cardiff RFC. They have the most resources at there disposal but we will be certainly going all out and preparing well for the game on Saturday. The players are certainly looking forward to the challenge this weekend”.

This week The Steelmen welcome the blue & blacks of Cardiff RFC to CiNER Glass Community Stadium Eugene Cross Park in a top of the table clash.

The community of Ebbw Vale are once again encouraged to come down and #PackTheBank for a day of entertaining rugby, refreshments and banter at CiNER Glass Community Stadium  Eugene Cross Park.

Video highlights here  https://youtu.be/hB6ZzC3vpbU

Gethstaff Property Developments Sponsor The Steelmen

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to welcome on board as a shirt sponsors of the club for the 2021/22 season Gethstaff Property Developments. We would like to thank them for their sponsorship of the club especially in these difficult times. 

Owen Staphnill said; 

We are very proud to sponsor and be associated with a great club club with such a proud history as Ebbw Vale RFC. A lot of our work is throughout the South Wales valleys and it’s great to give something back. 

For any of your refurbishment needs or any building works please get in touch gethstaff@outlook.com 

First Competative Home Game, Let’s pack the bank!

Ticketing: online is preferred but match tickets can be bought on the gate.

Season tickets are available for collection from midday Saturday at the club.

You can buy season tickets also at the club up until 1pm tomorrow but it is cash sales only.

Please make sure you have your QR code digital ticket ready as you approach the ground to be scanned.

If you haven’t bought a game ticket as of yet please do so here, https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-cup-saturday-25th-september-pontypridd/ do not leave the page early until they have thanked you for your purchase. Leaving early will result in your ticket not completing purchase.

Most of all enjoy the game!

CiNER Glass UK Sponsor Ebbw Vale Rugby Club 

CiNER Glass UK visited the newly re-named CiNER Glass Community Stadium at Ebbw Vale RFC on September 22nd after the company agreed to become the clubs’ new ground naming right sponsors. 

The glass manufacturing company has agreed a three-year deal with Ebbw Vale RFC to become the Premiership rugby club’s principal naming rights partner.

The new arrangement will see CiNER’s branding take pride of place on the front of the club’s famous green, red and white jersey and as the stadium naming rights partner. CiNER has also invested considerable funds into the club’s junior academy to help the next generation of Ebbw Vale stars and to bounce back stronger following a challenging 18-month period of no rugby. 

Gareth Howells, Commercial & Marketing Manager for Ebbw Vale RFC said; I would personally like to thank the CiNER family for supporting Ebbw Vale RFC through this landmark deal and but also giving hope to the people of Ebbw Vale with future employment coming into the town that will give Ebbw Vale a big boost.

Mrs Didem Ciner, Executive Board Member, CiNER Glass met with the Chairman of the club Jon Jones, members of the junior team, as well as head coach Greg Woods to discuss the clubs’ aspirations for the forthcoming season. She was also greeted by Blaenau Gwent’s local Member of the Senedd, and avid steelmen supporter, Alun Davies MS.

Speaking about the visit to Ebbw Vale Rugby ground, Mrs Ciner said: “We are absolutely thrilled to become part of the fabric of this historic club. Our commitment to Ebbw Vale is extensive, and we want to make sure we invest in all parts of the community. Rugby fans from across the town have missed out on a year and half of their beloved sport, and we hope our partnership marks the start of a successful season for the club.”

Chairman of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club, Jones Jones commented: ‘‘Over the last 18 months, we have navigated the most challenging period in the club’s 142-year history, so to have secured this deal now is an incredibly significant moment for us. Our partnership with CiNER Glass is a fantastic opportunity for the club and we look forward to working with our new partner CiNER Glass, who we know share our ambition for Ebbw Vale. 

“While the name of the stadium will change, the essence of the ground remains the same, and we look forward to investing in the future and creating many more fantastic memories with our supporters this season.

The move marks the latest announcement by CiNER Glass who are committed to investing in the future of Ebbw Vale. Earlier in the day, Mrs CiNER met with First Minister 

Mark Drakeford to discuss the company’s plans to build a glass container manufacturing facility which utilises recycled glass in Ebbw Vale. The duo visited the proposed site, a 21.5h vacant plot located just north of the town, within the Rassau Industrial Estate and allocated within the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone, to outline the economic and environmental benefits of the project. 

Attached is a photo of Executive Director of CiNER Glass, Mrs Didem CiNER, with Jonathan Jones, Ebbw Vale Chairman, Joe Franchi Ebbw Vale RFC Captain, and Ebbw Vale Youth team members that can be used for publication. 

Ebbw Vale Side To Play Pontypridd 

The Steelmen have named their squad to take on Pontypridd this Saturday in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup at Eugene Cross Park 2:30pm. 

We are calling on all the Ebbw Vale addicts to once again Pack The Bank and shout on the Steelmen in a fixture that should be very entertaining! 

Ebbw Vale RFC Skills Coach Gethin Robinson commented; 

The boys have worked hard this week looking to build on the win we had against a tough Merthyr side. We know we’ve a huge challenge waiting for us on Saturday in the form of Ponty, and have been impressed with what we’ve seen of them so far.

I know the boys can’t wait to run out in front of our great home support, who we hope will turn up in their loud numbers, as they do.

1) Luke Garrett

2) Joe Franchi © 

3) Dave Whiting

4) Dan Hill

5) Corey Talbot

6) Scott Parsons

7) Alex Grey

8) Ethan Doyle

9) Matthew Flanagan

10) Lewis K Williams

11) Euan Rosser

12) Ethan Phillips

13) Dom Franchi

14) Dafydd Howells

15) Dan Haymond

16) Joel Harries

17) Connor Chapman

18) Rob Sevenoaks

19) Ben Moa

20) Lewis Young

21) Che Hope

22) Ryan Evans

23) Jordan Thomas

#feelthesteel #steelmen 

Match Day Ticketing – Please Read

On Saturday we welcome our friends from Sardis Road, Pontypridd RFC to Eugene Cross Park in the Indigo Premiership Cup, a 14:30pm Kick Off.

Over the last few weeks we have installed a new digital ticketing system at the club where by we urge visiting and supporters who are not season ticket holders to buy their tickets online before the game. 

This allows us to follow local health and safety policies as well as aiding us for covid purposes. I also allow’s ease of entry at the gate.

Supporters who buy tickets online will be sent a e-ticket with a QR code that will be scanned on the gates by our gate staff. We do advise you to turn up a touch earlier.

Buy tickets here https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product-category/match-day-tickets/ 

Go to ticketing link – Select the Pontypridd fixture and then follow the directions given online for payment.

If you have any issues please contact marketing@evrfc.co.uk 

There will be the option to buy tickets the traditional way on the gate but the easiest way is to buy online.

Getting into the spirit of its new European headquarters in South Wales (United Kingdom), SIMBA Chain is now a sponsor of Ebbw Vale’s semi-professional rugby team, the Steelmen. Rugby is Wales’ most popular sport, and Ebbw Vale’s club is among the best teams in the Welsh Premier Division.

Last month, the Welsh government announced it is providing financial incentives to the United States-based blockchain company to open a location in Ebbw Vale as part of its Tech Valleys program. In return, SIMBA Chain is creating 26 high-paying jobs. SIMBA Chain closed a $25 million (U.S.) investment in early September, and is hiring across its organization to scale its business across enterprise, government and educational sectors.

SIMBA Chain’s Director of U.K. Operations Matthew Shields says the sponsorship reflects the company’s goals for Ebbw Vale. “When this opportunity was presented, we were drawn to the 125-year history of the Steelmen. Rugby is a demanding sport, but with discipline and true fighting spirit, this club always prevails which is exactly what SIMBA has set out to do. We are pleased to support the club and eager to attract people with a passion for blockchain to our team.”

Ebbw Vale Rugby Commercial and Marketing Manager Gareth Howells says SIMBA Chain joining its fan base is big news for the club and will raise awareness of the blockchain company across the UK and the Premier Division. “We play teams from across Wales and the U.K., so having SIMBA Chain’s logo on our kit will be great publicity and certainly a win for both.” We would like to thank SIMBA Chain’s CEO Joel Neidig for supporting our club and investing in Ebbw Vale.”

SIMBA Chain recently developed a white-label non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace for iconic brands. NFTs are digital assets whose authenticity is certified by blockchain. SIMBA Chain plans to bring NFT marketplaces to U.K. sports leagues. Professional and collegiate teams in the United States are using NFT marketplaces to make digital collectibles – largely videos and photos of popular athletes or big sporting events – available to fans to enhance engagement and create a new revenue stream for teams and leagues.

Merthyr RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC at The Wern.rr

Merthyr 24-26 Ebbw Vale

Ebbw got their Indigo Group Welsh Premiership Cup campaign underway with a victory on the road against Merthyr at The Wern on Saturday afternoon.

The Steelmen blew the three-time Welsh Premiership winners out of the water in a fantastic first-half display with a try in the 37th minute from scrum-half Matthew Flanagan and eleven points from the boot of fly-half Lewis K Williams. Leading 3-16 at the break.

However, in the second half, Dale ‘Chief’ McIntosh’s men fought back to take the lead from Ebbw twice before Williams landed a late penalty to secure a vital win.

Tighthead prop Dave Whiting was voted Ebbw Addicts Man of the Match after a monster performance in defence, attack and in set piece.

Head Coach Greg Woods commented; I was really pleased with the performance and the result from Saturday. The first half control and physicality we showed against a side like Merthyr was excellent. We should have scored more points in that 1st half as we always knew Merthyr would fire some shots of their own. It was an intense last 5 mins and it was so pleasing to see Lewis K Williams slot over that last kick. The players spoke a lot in the week about getting the job done for our supporters and that and determination came through in bucket loads. We will regroup again and get ready for another huge encounter this Saturday versus Pontypridd.”.

Ebbw return to Eugene Cross Park this weekend where they will welcome Pontypridd, who also won their opening game of the Welsh Premiership Cup last weekend against Newport. The game marks the return of competitive rugby for Ebbw at home for the first time in 18 months.

Highlights here https://youtu.be/tkCqxeL3nyw

Season Ticket Update

Cup Games are included in 2021/22 season ticket’s 

We would like to thank the supporters who have bought their season tickets online and call for those who haven’t bought theirs yet to do so online. If you buy your ticket online then please cancel your previous STANDING ORDERS before you purchase your new ticket.

Adult Season Ticket  £125 

Senior Citizen & Student Ticket £70

Vice President £250

Gold Vice President £440

Platinum Vice President £1000

Season tickets are now available to purchase online via the club’s website https://www.evrfc.co.uk/tickets/season-tickets/  you just select your ticket, fill out your details, choose to pay up front or monthly and then postage or collection.

The new system still allows for monthly payments and you will still receive a credit card style ticket. By purchasing your ticket via the club website you will need to cancel your existing standing order first, your monthly payment will then be automatically taken from your card each month when you buy your new ticket.

SEASON TICKET COLLECTION

These will be available to collect from Mark at the clubhouse between 6:30-8:30pm on Thursday 30th September, you can also purchase your season ticket on the night if you don’t want to use the online system with cash but our preferred method is online as it makes it easier for the club.

MATCH DAY SEASON TICKET PROCESS 

The new season tickets will now come with a QR code as well as a stripe, the QR code will be scanned on all entry points to all Ebbw Vale home fixtures, this will provide us with an entry system that complies with health and safety regulations along with providing details on who is at the ground should an emergency take place.

On a match day you come to a game as normal, present your ticket at the gate and a member of our entry staff will just scan the QR code and in you go, it’s as simple as that.

Normal Match Day Prices Are:

Adult £12

Concession £8

U16’s Go Free

Ebbw Vale RFC welcome Coleg Gwent as a kit sponsor of the club for the 2021-22 season. We are delighted that Coleg Gwent has chosen to support the club once again with us both having strong community and inclusion values. A number of the squad at Ebbw Vale have come via the college and still continue to do so. The College logo will be proudly displayed on the Ebbw Vale match strip as well as other ground and social media advertising.

We also recommend anyone that is looking to further their education to visit https://www.coleggwent.ac.uk/ to find out further information as it is not too late to enrol. 

Coleg Gwent are proud sponsors of Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2021-22 season, sharing a passion for promoting participation and inclusion in sport in the local community. As one of Wales’ top performing colleges, Coleg Gwent has consistently high A Level pass rates and is ranked as the joint top performing college for vocational learning in Wales. However, alongside this, the college is also home to the Coleg Gwent Crosskeys Rugby Academy – the WRU Welsh Colleges and School Champions for 2019-20 – and the first Girls Rugby Academy in Wales, enabling learners to combine their academic studies with improving their skills on the pitch.

Ebbw Vale RFC is located close to Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone, but with five campuses across Gwent (Usk, Ebbw Vale, Crosskeys, Newport and Cwmbran), studying full time, part time and university level qualifications on your doorstep couldn’t be easier. The Coleg Gwent community spans all age-groups, from school-leavers to mature-learners, and with a range of sports-related courses and a variety of other subject areas to explore, there’s something for everyone at the friendly, inclusive and diverse college.

Coleg Gwent proudly promotes extra-curricular inclusion in sport, and they’re proud of their learners continued sporting successes. The college hopes to continue promoting participation, inclusion and access to sport and education in the local area to improve the wellbeing of young people in the community. Coleg Gwent is now looking forward to seeing this exciting new partnership with Ebbw Vale RFC develop over the coming rugby season.

Ebbw Vale Side For Merthyr Away

The Steelmen have named their squad to take on the Ironmen this Saturday in the new Indigo Group Premiership Cup at the Wern 2:30pm. We are calling on all the Ebbw Vale addicts to come and get behind the boys and shout them on. It has been a long time without rugby and this should bring an entertaining game.

Lewis Roberts, Ebbw Vale assistant coach said:

After 18 months without competitive rugby, it will be fantastic to see Ebbw Vale RFC take to the field against Merthyr on Saturday afternoon. The players have worked extremely hard throughout pre season and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead within the Indigo Premiership Cup. As always the support of the Ebbw Addicts is greatly appreciated by Players & Staff and it will be great to see you all at The Wern on Saturday supporting the team.

1) Luke Garrett

2) Joe Franchi (c)

3) Dave Whiting

4) Lance Randell

5) Corey Talbot

6) Dan Hill

7) Alex Grey

8) Lewis Young

9) Matthew Flanagan

10) G R Jones

11) Euan Rosser

12) Ethan Phillips

13) Dom Franchi

14) Dafydd Howells

15) Dan Haymond

16) Joel Harries

17) Connor Chapman

18) Rob Sevenoaks

19) Scott Parsons

20) Ethan Doyle

21) Che Hope

22) Lewis K Williams

23) Jordan Thomas

#feelthesteel

Season Tickets

Season ticket prices will remain the same price for the 2021-22 season! 

Adult Season Ticket  £125 

Senior Citizen & Student Ticket £70

Vice President £250

Gold Vice President £440

Platinum Vice President £1000

Season tickets are now available to purchase online via the club’s website https://www.evrfc.co.uk/tickets/season-tickets/  you just select your ticket, fill out your details, choose to pay up front or monthly and then postage or collection.

The new system still allows for monthly payments and you will still receive a credit card style ticket. By purchasing your ticket via the club website you will need to cancel your existing standing order.

SEASON TICKET COLLECTION

These will be available to collect from Mark at the clubhouse between 6:30-8:30pm on Thursday 16th September, you can also purchase your season ticket on the night if you don’t want to use the online system with cash but our preferred method is online as it makes it easier for the club.

MATCH DAY SEASON TICKET PROCESS 

The new season tickets will now come with a QR code as well as a stripe, the QR code will be scanned on all entry points to all Ebbw Vale home fixtures, this will provide us with an entry system that complies with health and safety regulations along with providing details on who is at the ground should an emergency take place.

On a match day you come to a game as normal, present your ticket at the gate and a member of our entry staff will just scan the QR code and in you go, it’s as simple as that.

Normal Match Day Prices Are:

Adult £12

Concession £8

U16’s Go Free

More details will follow on Match Day Non Season Ticket Entry….

Ebbw Vale Squad Finalised 

There are a few changes to the squad that was assembled during the first Covid lockdown

The following players have left the squad

Second Row Kyle Evans has returned to Ystrad Rhondda after a change of job left him unable to meet the time commitments required to play at Indigo Premiership Level

Former Wales 7’s centre Daffydd Smith found travelling from his Penarth base to Ebbw Vale along with work taking too much of his time, he was released by the club and has since signed for Premiership rivals Cardiff RFC

Winger Aaron Graham has left to look for more regular game time having joined in November 2019

Sam Ireland after 3 years with the Steelmen will continue his return to fitness following injury at a lower level

Addition to the squad see the return of popular second row Lance Randall after a short absence and he will be joined by scrum half Jack Harvey who has signed for the club from Bury St Edmonds with the Bristol based Welshman having impressed the coaching team in pre season training and matches.

Former Ebbw Vale Youth team Hooker Liam Lewis will train with the squad and play for Blaenavon RFC and centre Will Keep who impressed for the Steelmen at Aberavon RFC will play at how home club and train with the Ebbw Vale squad, this allowing both of these young players to continue playing s much rugby as possible

The club also has a few players who are occupying the medical team with Ryan Evans having hamstring issues, Mike Powell suffering with back issues.Hooker Mikhail Blake has had a few minor injury concerns along with work commitments preventing him taking part in pre season matches but is now back in training and has had some recent game time at Brynmawr RFC.  Finally the hugely popular centre and wing Paul King has suffered a knee injury playing  7’s and is unlikely to be able to play for the Steelmen in the coming season

Full Squad as follows

The Leagues, which kick off from Saturday 13 November for all divisions from Championship to Division Three, and December 11 for the Indigo Group Premiership, will be run on a home OR away basis this season.

In Divisions 1 – 3, League winners will be entered into play-offs to determine National Divisional Champions, while in the Championship and Indigo Group Premiership the top four teams will enter Championship or Premiership play-offs to determine the champion of their RESPECTIVE League.

In order to be fair to all during this one-off season as League rugby returns after an 18 month break, there will be no promotion or relegation this season. The Modified Laws currently in place for WRU cup competitions will no longer be in place, providing public health conditions remain favourable.

WRU Community Director Geraint John said: “It’s great to be able to provide clarity for clubs with the release of fixtures for senior men’s Leagues. It takes us another big step forward on our Pathway to Participation and the news will hopefully encourage more players, coaches, referees and other volunteers back to the game after so much upheaval over the past 18 months due to the pandemic.

“Having a full fixture list will also help clubs off-the-field, enabling them to plan events around matches and encourage partners and sponsors to support them in their efforts.”

WRU chair Rob Butcher added, “We are very grateful to volunteers the length and breadth of the country for the hard work they have put in to help us stick to the timeline we set out for the return of rugby as we know it. It’s thanks to those volunteers and everyone within the game that we are currently ahead of that schedule.

“However, while the return of League rugby is almost upon us, we are all still experiencing many of the effects of the pandemic so in order to remain on course, and to keep everyone as safe as possible, it is vitally important to stay vigilant and work within the guidelines and protocols that individual clubs, us as a governing body and the Welsh Government have put in place.”

Ebbw Vale head coach Greg Woods is undaunted by the prospect of taking on defending champions Merthyr on the opening day of action of the Indigo Group Premiership.

“We’re going to the champions and we’re also playing them away in the first game in the cup as well so that will be a good practise run really,” said an excited Woods.

“The league offers us the chance to get back and play against the sides that we wouldn’t have played in the Premiership Cup, so we’re particularly looking forward to playing the likes of Swansea, Bridgend, Aberavon, Carmarthen Quins etc, as it’s been a long time since we would have played them.

“We’ve also got an exciting fixture around Christmas with Newport for the Dragons region which is always a special time in the season so really looking forward to that one as well.”

Fixtures

11-12-2021

Merthyr v Ebbw Vale

18-12-2021

Ebbw Vale v Llandovery

27-12-2021

Ebbw Vale v Newport

03-01-2022

Pontypridd v Ebbw Vale

15-01-2022

Ebbw Vale v Llanelli

29-01-2022

Cardiff v Ebbw Vale

19-02-2022

Ebbw Vale v Carmarthen

05-03-2022

RGC v Ebbw Vale

12-03-2022

Ebbw Vale v Swansea

26-03-2022

Ebbw Vale v Bridgend

02-04-2022

Aberavon v Ebbw Vale

Dragons Academy Allocation to Ebbw Vale RFC

The Steelmen are pleased to confirm the following players have been allocated to Ebbw Vale for the coming season.

Harry Fry – Loose Head

Adam Williams – Tight Head

Connor Chapman – Hooker

Joe Peard – Second Row

Ben Moa – Back Row

Euan Rosser – Wing

Carrick McDonagh – Wing

Lewis Bates – Centre

Joe Westwood – Full back

Che Hope – Scrum half

All of the players part from Joe Peard who is coming back from a hamstring injury have had game time in the pre season games. The group will be fined by experienced Dragon James Benjamin who is transitioning from the back row to the Hooker position and will be gaining experience with The Steelmen in the front row for the forthcoming season

The only familiar face amongst the group is Euan Rosser who follows brother Jarrod in having a second season in Steelmen colours but the following players have links to the club

Hooker Connor Chapman is the son of former Ebbw scrum Half Matthew

Ben Moa is the son of former prop Winnie Moa

Joe Westwood ids the grandson of former Steelmen wing, centre and Coach Keith whilst his dad Jonathan is well known for his on field exploits at Newbridge and Cardiff and for a lengthy period as Cross Keys Team Manager

Many at the club will also recognise the surname of Peard, Joe a Wales U20’s International in the summer is the son of former Newbridge second Row Mike and grandson of the former Referee Les who is a regular at games in his role as a WRU Referee Assessor

Ebbw hooker and captain Joe Franchi joins Haydn for this weeks Steelman in Focus episode.

Full interview here https://youtu.be/-1iMSOYr-tc

Steelmen Side For Cardiff Met 

Ebbw Vale take on Cardiff Met ‘ The Archers’ this Wednesday evening 8th September at Eugene Cross Park. Kick off is 19:15pm and this will be our last pre season fixture before we turn our attention to the new Indigo Group Premiership Cup competition which starts on Saturday 18th September away to Merthyr.

Greg Woods commented:

“The whole playing squad and management are excited to be back playing at EXP after  very long 550 days away. We have had a tough pre- season on the road and the thought of playing at home in front of a packed bank excites all the boys. Playing Cardiff Met RFC under the EXP lights is a perfect way to be back as it will be some game played at a high tempo. I look forward to seeing you all back on Wednesday night”.

#feelthesteel

#packthebank

#550daysaway

We are calling on everyone from across Ebbw Vale and Blaenau Gwent to come to Eugene Cross Park this Wednesday and shout on the Steelmen and pack the bank!

All entry donations £3 will be going to our nominated charity Hospice Of The Valleys.  Those who cannot make the game can still pledge a donation to the Hospice via the following link https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-the-steelmen-hospice-of-the-valleys 

Ebbw Side

1) Harry Fry

2) Joe Franchi © 

3) Dave Whiting

4) Lance Randell

5) Corey Talbot

6) Scott Parsons

7) Alex Grey

8) Ethan Doyle

9) Scott Gibson

10) G Rhys Jones

11) Carrick McDonough

12) Ethan Phillips

13) Dafydd Howells

14) Euan Rosser

15) Dan Haymond

16) Joel Harries

17) Luke Garrett

18) Connor Chapman

19) Adam Williams

20) Rob Sevenoaks

21) Dan Hill

22) Dawid Rubasniak 

23) Che Hope

24) Lewis K Williams

25) Lewis Bates

26) Jordan Thomas

27) Mike Powell

28) Will Keep

Coach Development Director

Ebbw Vale RFC have appointed former player Alun Harries to a new position for the club as Coach Development Director.

Having taken over a large part of the Mini and Junior in the town at the beginning of the 2019/20 the club has been considering how best to assist the volunteers who put a lot of time and energy in providing a safe and enjoyable rugby experience for the children within our community. It was felt that helping those coaches develop with a resource at the club would build on the excellent Coach Development structure already provided by The WRU.

Alun, a former player at the club during the professional era has built on an 18 year playing career that encompassed spells at his hometown club Abercarn, Newbridge, Neath, Newport and Treorchy plus representative honours at Wales A, Barbarian, Crawshays, Welsh Academicals and Welsh Presidents with a career in coaching and Coach Education. Alun is a Level 3 qualified coach who was part of a successful Cross Keys coaching group under Greg Woods has also worked with Wales Women, Gwent Schools, Penguins International Academy and is currently the Coach Development at Gibralter RFU and is looking forward to once again working at Eugene Cross Park.

The aim of the role is Develop and Support a strong and sustainable coach and player pathway for Ebbw Vale RFC as a Welsh Premiership team and in the longer term to build on this to become a rugby pathway centre of excellence that supports the wider rugby community within the Blaenau Gwent region. Alun will work closely with the senior coaches in managing the transition of players from the age group set up into the Welsh Premiership Squad and this work begins in earnest with the current Youth Squad who are the first to represent the Steelmen for 25 years and further down the age groups where emphasis will be placed on enjoyment and skills

All at the club believe that this will provide long term sustainability and that Alun’s coaching knowledge and knowledge of the club are ideally suited to this role and this appointment has been welcomed by all playing groups at Ebbw Vale RFC

Ebbw Vale take on Cardiff Met ‘ The Archers’ on Wednesday 8th September at Eugene Cross Park with a 7:15pm kick off in our last pre season fixture. It will be 550 days since we last played a home fixture, our last fixture was against RGC at home on Saturday March 7th 2019 before we all went into lockdown!

We are calling on everyone from across Ebbw Vale and Blaenau Gwent and afar to come down to Eugene Cross Park next Wednesday and shout on the Steelmen and #packthebank! 

An exciting squad has been put together over the last number of months, players have been working hard and they want your vocal support.

During lockdown the supporters, staff and players have been busy raising funds for our chosen charity Hospice Of The Valleys. The hospice has suffered heavily during the pandemic and provide much needed care and support for patients across the local area.

As part of the #packthebank evening all entry donations will be going to the Hospice Of The Valleys, the clubs charity. Also on the night there will be half time TAG rugby from Ebbw Vale U9s against Abertillery and Ebbw Vale U11s, all teams will also form a guard of honour as the teams run out.

Jonathan Jones said

550 days away from Eugene Cross Park and it seems a lot longer!! It will mean a lot to the players, coaches and officials to be back on our own ground in front of the addicts. 

Its a great sign of a return for normality for all within the community of Ebbw Vale and the wider Blaenau Gwent area for live sport to return 

I’m sure we will all take a moment to quietly reflect on the last 18 months, think of the key workers and all they have done for so many during this time and remember those who are no longer with us and who would have loved to be on our terrace, stand and clubhouse and enjoy the sport we love in a special community

Greg Woods commented 

“The whole playing squad and management are excited to be back playing at EXP after a very long 550 days away. We have had a tough pre- season on the road and the thought of playing at home in front of a packed bank excites all the boys. Playing Cardiff Met RFC under the EXP lights is a perfect way to be back as it will be some game played at a high tempo. I look forward to seeing you all back on Wednesday night”.

So let’s have a huge crowd at Eugene Cross Park next Wednesday as we get behind the Steelmen

Entry donations is £3 and Students go free! 

#feelthesteel

#packthebank

#550daysaway

Those who cannot make the game can still pledge a donation to the Hospice via the following link https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-the-steelmen-hospice-of-the-valleys 

Greg’s Thoughts

Last weekend the Steelmen travelled to Maidenhead where they were narrowly beaten by English Championship side London Scottish despite tries from two wingers, former Welsh international Daf Howells and Jordan Thomas and 16 points from boot of Rhys Jones.

Head Coach Greg Woods said; “Although disappointed with the result, as a coaching group we were extremely proud of the intensity and physicality the boys showed against quality opposition. We certainly fronted up and did the town proud”.

Tomorrow, the Steelmen are on the road again this time travelling to the Talbot Athletic Ground to face fellow Welsh Premiership side Aberavon.

“We need to be more disciplined and make sure we stick to our defensive policies this week. It shows the strength in depth of our squad when we can make multiple changes from the starting lineup last week and still put out a quality side”.

“These four preseason games are all about returning the club to rugby and getting as many players back on the pitch. It also provides a fantastic opportunity for our young Dragons academy allocated players to get some minutes of game time in senior rugby”.

“Everyone is looking forward to the game tomorrow and hopefully we can play some attractive attacking rugby” he ended.