Monthly Archives: June 2024
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of second row, Jack Pope from Bridgend RFC.
Jack, a product of Pencoed RFC, came through the Academy system at the Ospreys winning caps for Wales U16s and U20s.
Jack joined Bridgend RFC at the age of 17 before moving on to play for Pontypridd RFC. Jack returned to Bridgend RFC for the 2022/23 season.
On signing for the Steelmen, Jack commented, “I am looking forward to becoming part of the team at Ebbw Vale. I have played against this club for a number of years and was delighted when Jason got in contact about the new season. A fantastic opportunity to play amongst quality players and coaches. Hopefully, as a team, we can maintain the strong performances and continue to be a competitive side progressing into the new season.”
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian International back row forward, Sion Parry from Pontypridd RFC.
Sion from Rhiwbina, Cardiff played for his local team as a junior before moving onto play for Whitchurch RFC. At senior level, Sion has played for Bedwas RFC before joining Pontypridd RFC.
Sion made his debut for Canada from the bench against Tonga in the first Test of their tour in the summer of 2023. Sion was then selected to start in the second test match.
On signing for the Steelmen, Sion said, “I’m really looking forward to the season ahead with Ebbw and hopefully winning at least one piece of silverware. The coaching set-up and facilities are great so I can’t wait to get started up there.”
#FeelTheSteel
New Signings
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of front row forward Adam Williams from Cardiff Rugby
Adam had previously played for the Steelmen when part of the Dragons Academy and has also played BUCS rugby for Cardiff University.
An age grade international, Adam won 8 caps as part of the Wales U20s squad.
Adam, from Abergavenny, is looking forward to returning to the Steelmen and stated, ‘It’s great to come back to Ebbw. It’s a fantastic club local to my old hometown of Abergavenny that’s going to compete at the top of Super Rygbi Cymru. Really excited to get stuck in at the club. It has great values and great people behind it.”
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Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of exciting, young full back Matt Jones from the Bristol Bears.
Matt, who has been part of the senior Bristol Bears academy, has made several appearances for the senior team and has also played for Cinderford RFC, Dings Crusaders and Shaftesbury Park. Matt joins the Steelmen for the start of the 2024/25 season.
On joining the Steelmen, Matt commented, “Really looking forward to playing for Ebbw Vale. The club has a rich, Welsh history which I am really looking forward to being part of. The new Super Rygbi Cymru competition looks like it will be very exciting and will offer great competition. Can’t wait to get started and get to know the lads.”
#FeelTheSteel
Click on the video below to see some of Matt’s highlights.
Next new player announcement at 6pm tomorrow
Our second announcement this evening is the retention of wingers Ryan Gardner and Ewan Bowden.
Ryan returned to the team following a series of injuries and put in some impressive performances towards the end of last season.
On re-signing with the Steelmen Ryan stated, “After regaining a position in the team following a season of injuries last year, I am looking forward to re-signing for my local premier club Ebbw Vale and am excited to see what we can achieve with the group we have. It’s always an honour to be a part of the club.”
Also staying with the Steelmen for his second season is Ewan Bowden. Ewan who signed for the Steelmen from Cardiff Met made 12 appearances for the Steelmen in 2023/24.
On remaining with the Steelmen, Ewan stated, “I am excited to continue the journey with Ebbw Vale RFC next season. I’m looking forward to building on a good second half of the season and can’t wait to get stuck into Super Rygbi Cymru.”
#FeelTheSteel
Come back tomorrow for more announcements….
Our next pair of signings are front rowers Luke Garrett and Morgan Davies.
Luke made 26 appearances for the Steelmen in 23/24 and reached his landmark 100th appearance for the Steelmen in the last game of the season in the playoff game at Newport.
Luke commented, “I’m really pleased to be signing for another season at this great club. I’m excited by the potential of the squad for next season especially how we have kept improving every year over the last 3 seasons on and off the field as a club. Looking forward to going back into preseason and getting stuck in.”
Morgan returned to the Steelmen last season and a big impression on the Addicts with his performances throughout the season. Morgan went onto make 24 appearances during 2023/24.
Morgan added, “It was a no brainer to re-sign with Ebbw. I was over the moon when given another opportunity for the new season. Really enjoyed being part of this side last season and I’m excited to continue and hopefully build on it with some good performances next season.”
#FeelTheSteel
In our final announcement of the evening, the Steelmen are delighted to announce that scrum halves Jon Evans and Rory Harries will once again be Steelmen in 2024/25.
Jon, who made 26 appearances last season, also passed the landmark 50 appearance for the Steelmen during 2023/24. Jon commented, “I’m delighted to be with Ebbw for another year going into the new league. Hoping we can go one step further than we were able to last season and claim some silverware.”
Also remaining with the Steelmen for a second season is Rory Harries. Rory made a big impression in his first season at the Steelmen scoring 9 tries in 24 appearances from scrum half.
Rory stated, “Really excited to be with Ebbw Vale for another year and looking forward to another tough season and bringing back some silverware.”
#FeelTheSteel
Next up, the Steelmen are delighted to announce that Joe Franchi will continue to play for the Steelmen in 2024/25. Joe co-captained the team last season, in which he made 16 appearances.
On signing for another season of Steelmen rugby, Joe said, “It probably goes without saying that I was happy to sign for Ebbw Vale again next year. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting my 200 cap this year and having another season playing alongside my brother and best mates. I think we made a lot of progress last year by getting to two semi-finals. I’m confident we can go one better next year.”
Joining Joe at hooker for his second season at the club is Ieuan Morris. Ieuan made a big impact in his first season at the Steelmen scoring 8 tries in 20 appearances.
Ieuan commented, “Happy to have re-signed with the club after a good season last year. If last year is anything to go by, this year could be special. It was good to get back out on the field last year after my knee injury and can’t wait to get back into preseason.”
#FeelTheSteel
The first players retained for the 2024/25 season like to be the centre of attention here at Ebbw Vale RFC.
Ethan Phillips, after picking up the Man of Steel and both Player of the Year Awards at the club’s recent presentation evening, has re-signed for another season of Steelmen rugby and will look to reach the landmark of 100 appearances for the Steelmen during 2024/25. Ethan was last season’s top try scorer and was also selected in the Indigo Premiership Team of the Year.
On committing to the Steelmen for another season, Ethan said, “It’s always a pleasure to sign on the dotted line for my hometown club. Really looking forward to building on last year and hopefully win some silverware.”
Joining Ethan will be fellow centre Dom Franchi. Dom made 26 appearances in 2023/24 and captained the team on a number of occasions. Dom will be looking to pass 150 appearances for the Steelmen during 2024/25.
Dom stated, “I’m delighted to have re-signed for the coming season… Ebbw is my home, and I am looking forward to building on last season in a new league structure.”
#FeelTheSteel
