Steelmen complete squad

The following players have signed for the Steelmen after impressing the coaching staff during pre-season training and games.

Harry Harding a rugged open side flanker has joined from Pill Harriers. The 23year old has spent the formative part of his rugby career with the Dragons Academy based at Newport High School. His fearless and committed approach will remind the Ebbw Addicts of recent favorite and former captain Ronny Kynes.

Hooker Mikhail Blake has joined from Cwmbran and will add competition to the position where the Steelmen are very well served. Micky is a strong scrummager and a mobile and aggressive carrier in open play.

Tight Head prop Ellis Evans has signed from Brynmawr having had some Premiership experience last season with Bedwas RFC. Ellis has impressed all with his hard work during pre season training and will look to put pressure on crowd favorite Rob Sevenoaks for the number 3 shirt.

Finally, serving Royal Marine and RTB product Craig Duncan has rejoined Ebbw Vale and will provide competition for the 15 shirt to Dan Haymond with his powerful and pacy running game. Craig will miss the first month of the season, as he will be in Japan for a forces rugby competition

Dragons Initial Draft

The first and major part of the draft process with the Dragons has been completed and the following players have been allocated to Ebbw Vale:

Aneurin Owen – Centre
Rio Dyer – Wing
Euan Rosser – Wing
Joe Goodchild – Wing / Fullback
Carwyn Penny – Fullback / Out Half
Jake Morgan – Fullback
Deon Smith – Wing
Dan Babos – Scrum Half
Max Ayling – Second Row
Max Williams -Second Row
Ben Fry – Back Row 6/8
Chris Coleman – Tight Head
Will Griffiths – Hooker

The following players are in the under 18 group and will be available from January 2020:

Ben Moa – N8
Joe Peard – Second Row
Benji Hoppe – Back Row
Carrick McDonaugh – Wing
Johnny Painter – Centre / Wing

In addition to these the club will retain the ability to utilise the following draft players from last season when they are available:

Daffydd Howells – Wing
Jack Dixon – Centre

The club will also able to call on the services of our legacy players when available:

Jarrod Rosser
Harri Keddie
Josh Lewis

Some names on the list that have Ebbw Vale connections are:
Euan Rosser, brother of Jarrod who starred during our Premiership winning season.
Ben Moa who is the son of former Ebbw Vale and Tonga prop forward Winni Moa.

Another well known name is Joe Peard whose father Mike was an excellent second row for Newbridge and whose granddad is former referee and current assessor Les who is often seen enjoying a balmy winter’s day in Ebbw Vale!