Monthly Archives: August 2023
Ebbw Vale RFC, in conjunction with official kit supplier SCIMITAR, are delighted to launch their home and away kit for the 2023/24 season.
More details on how and where you can purchase the shirts will follow shortly.
#FeelTheSteel #BreakBoundaries
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that four Dragon Academy players will be part of the Steelmen squad during the 2023/24 season. The four players are winger Harry Rees-Weldon, centre Cameron Davies, prop Morgan Williams and back rower Kobi Rees.
Harry is well-known to the Addicts, having been part of the Steelers Youth team last season who also went onto represent Wales U18s against Scotland and England.
Morgan, Cameron and Kobi were all part of the Dragons U18s squad which won the Regional Age Grade Championship in 2022 with Morgan and Cameron also representing Wales U18s at the Six Nations Festival in 2022.
All four players are local and from North Gwent which fits in with the club’s vision to develop young local players with Morgan coming through a strong Newbridge pathway, Kobi Rees being developed really well by Blackwood Youth and Cameron being from Tredegar and playing his rugby for a successful Cross Keys College team.
Jason Strange commented, “All of the players have really bought into the values and team culture here at Ebbw Vale and have fitted in really well with the squad. We have been delighted with their commitment, they have not missed one training session during pre-season even when they have been injured.
We have had regular communication with the Dragons Academy staff on the best development for the players and hopefully this collaborative joined up approach between the club and region will enable the players to fulfil their future playing aspirations.”
Merthyr RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
On Sunday 3rd September, the Steelmen travel to Merthyr RFC for the opening round of the Indigo Premiership at the Wern, with a 2.30pm kick off.
The Steelmen are looking to take their good pre-season form into the match in what should be a highly entertaining encounter.
Ebbw Addicts Information
The Addicts will be providing transport to the match against Merthyr RFC on Sunday and will be leaving the Welfare at 1.30pm. Contact Adders or Tracy to book your seats on the bus. (See Addicts page for contact details)
After the match, the Addicts will stay at Merthyr Rugby Club to enjoy a few drinks before returning to the Welfare at 5.30pm
For Ebbw supporters making their own way to the match, the address for Merthyr RFC is: Merthyr Rugby Club, Wern Sports Park, CF48 1AG
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the return of prop Morgan Davies for his second spell with the Steelmen. Morgan, a local product, has signed from Brynmawr RFC, and has previously played for Beaufort RFC.
On returning to the Steelmen, Morgan stated, “I am delighted and privileged to be back in the Ebbw colours. It’s always an honour to pull on that jersey and hopefully will have some good outings this season. Looking forward to getting back amongst it and seeing the fans on the bank.”
Merthyr RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
The above fixture will now take place on Sunday 3rd September at the Wern with a 2.30pm kick off due to issue with ground availability on the original date.
#SupportThe Steelmen #FeelTheSteel
Clifton RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
On Saturday, Ebbw Vale RFC travel over the Severn Bridge to play Clifton RFC in our second pre-season friendly with a 2.30pm kick off.
The Steelmen return to Clifton having played a pre-season friendly there last year as part of a triangular series also featuring Tonbridge RFC.
Clifton RFC are currently playing in National League 2 West.
Ebbw Addicts Information
The Addicts bus is full for the trip to Clifton RFC on Saturday and is leaving the Welfare at 11.00am. The Welfare will be open for breakfast from 9.00am for anyone who would like some food before travelling to the game.
After the match, the Addicts will stay at Clifton Rugby Club to enjoy a few drinks before returning to the Welfare. REMINDER that Clifton RFC run a CASHLESS bar and food outlet.
For Ebbw supporters making their own way to the match, the address for Clifton RFC is: Clifton Rugby Club, Station Rd, Patchway, Bristol BS10 7TB
Ebbw Vale RFC season tickets are now on sale for the 2023/24 season.
There are a number of different season ticket options from a Standard Season Ticket through to a Platinum VP. As well as the usual categories there is a new family ticket (for a family of 4) at £200 and a young adult ticket at £40 (for Under 23s)
All season ticket details can be purchases at this link: Season Tickets | EVRFC
Also, this year, your season tickets will earn you a 10% discount at the following:
10% off at Family Kebab, Market Street, Ebbw Vale
10% off at Vally Spice, Church Street, Ebbw Vale
10% of fine fragrances at Shackleton’s Chemists
Supporters can collect season tickets this evening between 6.45pm and 8.00pm and then at the following times below:
Tuesday 22nd August 6.45pm to 8.00pm
Thursday 24th August 6.45pm to 8.00pm
Tuesday 29th August 6.45pm to 8.00pm
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of scrum half, Rory Harries from Pontypridd RFC. Rory has previously played for Cardiff RFC and Bedwas RFC.
Rory has also played age grade rugby for the Blues (u16’s and U18s), as well as representing Welsh Students.
On signing for Ebbw Vale RFC Rory commented. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent such a prestigious club and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Ebbw Vale RFC are sorry to announce that Matt Flanagan has decided to step down from the Steelmen squad due to work commitments away from home which has meant he has been unable to train with the squad during preseason.
Matt has been a big part of the squad over several seasons making 84 appearances for the Steelmen since joining the team from Llanelli RFC.
A big favourite with the Addicts, Matt has always been a popular member of the squad, and everyone at the club would like to thank him for his commitment to Ebbw Vale RFC and wish him all the best for the future.
#AlwaysASteelman
The Steelmen return to action tomorrow in the first of their pre-season games against Newbridge RFC at the Rec in Tredegar. The team have really been put through their paces during pre-season and co-captain, Rhys Francis, has written the following message,
“The boys have put in a huge shift over the last 6 weeks and are looking forward to putting everything together on Saturday. The new boys have got up to speed quickly and some of the older heads have really pushed the squad forward. One thing the boys have missed is the support and noise from the Addicts, so it will be great to have you all back on Saturday.”
Match Details
Saturday 12th August
Ebbw Vale RFC v Newbridge RFC
The Rec, Tredegar
Kick Off 2.30pm
ADMISSION: Free
(There will be a bucket collection at the game to support the Mini and Junior Steelers and Youth team)
#SupportTheSteelmen #FeelThe Steel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that Dylan Davies has been retained for 2023/24.
Dylan, an exciting scrum half, joined Ebbw Vale from Bridgend during last season and made his debut against Swansea in March 2023.
Dylan said, “I am very excited to remain part of such a hardworking and motivated club. Can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on over the summer for this coming season.”
The Steelmen will be holding a Q&A session at the Welfare on Wednesday 16th August where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and find out about plans for the coming season. The club are looking forward to seeing you at the Welfare to discuss pre-season and the season ahead.
Steelmen Departures
Several people involved with the Steelmen on and off the field have left the club following the end of the 2022/23 season and the club would like to thank them all for their commitment to the Steelmen and wish them all the very best for the future.
On the playing front Dave Whiting, Joel Harries, Alex Watkins, Haydn Simons, Morgan Thomas and James Skene have left the squad.
Dave made a big impression with the Addicts since joining Ebbw Vale. A strong scrummaging tight head, Dave made 38 appearances for the Steelmen. We will be meeting up with Dave very soon as he has signed for Merthyr who we play on the opening weekend of the league season.
Joel has been a member of the Steelmen squad for several seasons and has made over 50 appearances for the Steelmen. Joel has stepped back from Premiership rugby for the 2023/24 season.
Alex Watkins, Haydn Simons, Morgan Thomas and James Skene have also left the Steelmen at the end of the 2022/23 season. Although finding appearances limited during the season, Alex, Haydn, Morgan and James could always be relied upon when called into the match squad, giving 100% when on the field, and we wish them all good luck for the future.
Also leaving the club are the physio team of Saran Wyburn and Sam Walker who have been an integral part of the squad over the last few seasons.
Saran has been part of the Physio team at Ebbw Vale RFC for the last 8 seasons, becoming head physio over the last few years. Saran has shown great commitment to the team over this time and The Steelmen wish her all the best for the future.
Working alongside Saran on match days and the weekly training session has been Sam Walker who has also left the club. Sam leaves the Steelmen with our best wishes.
Finally, the club would like to say a big thank you to Damien Jenkins and Alun Harries for their commitment to the development of the mini and junior sections at Ebbw Vale RFC and the formation of the new Youth team over the last few seasons.
Damien, who has been involved with the mini and junior sections for several years, as well as the Steelers Youth team over the past two seasons, has stepped down from all roles at the club.
Alun returned to the club in 2021 as Coaching Development Officer, providing a vital link between the Youth set up and the Senior Squad.
Watch out for further announcements over the next week including the full coaching setup for 2023/24, more player retentions and the Dragons academy players who will be playing for the Steelmen in 2023/24