Author Archives: Gareth Howells

Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signing of  Polish International Second Row Jakub Malecki who joins us from Burry Port RFC.

On joining Ebbw Vale Jakub said; I am very excited about joining Ebbw Vale and playing alongside quality players under a great and knowledgeable coaching team.  Looking forward to getting underway of what is going to be a very successful season with a fresh setup. 

Previous Clubs: Burry Port RFC

International Honors: Polish Senior National Team

Height: 6ft 8

Weight: 110kg

Position: Second/Back Row 

Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signing of prop Charley Kearns who joins us from Weston Super Mare RFC.

On joining Ebbw Charley said; Im looking forward to attacking this year head on and making a name for myself in the premiership, it’s an honour to play for Ebbw alongside a good group of boys who are being lead by some very knowledgeable coaches and I look forward to seeing where the season takes us. With the hard work, graft and dedication we’ve put in as a collective I don’t think the league will know what’s hit them!

Previous Clubs: Weston Super Mare

Height: 6ft 1

Weight: 116kg

Position: Prop

The Welsh Rugby Union is suspending all senior rugby matches in Wales this weekend as a mark of respect to the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

The suspension applies to all senior rugby scheduled to take place this weekend (10th/11th September).

The WRU is also fully supportive of decisions already taken by professional sides in Wales to cancel scheduled friendly fixtures.

Mini, junior and U18 matches already in place this weekend do have permission to go ahead to avoid disruption to children and families, but clubs are requested to observe a period of two minutes’ silence before all matches.

Further decisions about when to return to play will be taken next week in accordance with Royal protocol.

Pontypool RFC will be holding a swabbing event for full-back Ethan Davies this Saturday, 10th September between 12.30-2.30pm

You can also receive a swab kit at home by registering here Rugby player Ethan needs your help tackling blood cancer | DKMS

Both give people the opportunity to join the global blood stem cell register and help patients all over the world to fight blood cancer.

#bloodcancerawarenessmonth #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth

WMDA | Facebook

WMDA: Company Page Admin | LinkedIn

Eden Nursery is proud to sponsor Ebbw Vale Rugby Club.

We are delighted to welcome Eden Nursery as a sponsor of Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2022/23 season, the Eden Nursery logo will be promoted on the back of the Ebbw Vale RFC match and replica shirts. We would like to thank Eden Nursery for their support.

About Eden Nursery

Our beautiful nursery is located next to the Eden play centre so conveniently located just off the A467 which also hosts the Eden Education Centre that specialises in education using LEGO. We provide the very best care and wonderful learning experiences from 6 months to pre-school with wraparound options to local schools. 

We also provide a school holiday club for ages 6-11. 

For more information see www.theedennursery.co.uk

…for every child to flourish!

Ticketing update for next year’s Guinness Six Nations away fixture against Italy at the Stadio Olympico in Rome on Saturday 11^thMarch 2023.

It has been confirmed by the FIR as the host Union that they require the full name of each ticket holder, which will be checked against ID / passport on entry to the Stadium. As a result, providing Clubs with an allocation for this fixture would result in significant levels of administrative time for club ticket secretaries in addition to the sharing of personal data between Clubs, WRU and FIR.

As a result, tickets can be purchased directly from the FIR either by members. Tickets are now on general sale for this fixture by using the link below and a number of ticket prices remain available at this time. 

https://sport.ticketone.it/event/en/48308/90600336/italia-vs-galles-six-nations-2023

When purchasing tickets via this link, there is a purchase limit of 4 tickets per transaction. If the member wishes to make a group booking of 10 or more tickets, please contact the FIR Ticket Office via email atufficiogruppi@federugby.it.

The club would prefer for supporters make their own direct purchases, but will assist with any difficulties caused

Ebbw Vale Side To Play Newport 

Your Ebbw Vale side to take on Newport in the Gwent derby at Spytty Park this Saturday, 2:30pm kick off is as follows.

15 Morgan Richards

14 Carrick McDonough

13 Amir Jiwa Wadji

12 Dom Franchi 

11 Jordan Thomas 

10 Evan Lloyd 

9 Jon Evans 

8 Gethin Williams 

7 Joe Thomas

6 Lewis Young

5 Dylan Bartlett 

4 Andrew Mann

3 Adam Court

2 Joe Franchi

1 Lewis Kinsella

16 Alex Watkins

17 Luke Garrett 

18 Jordan Pritchard

19 Morgan Thomas

20 Chad Thomas 

21 Matthew Flanagan 

22 Haydn Simons

23 Lewis Bates 

We are delighted to announce that Joe Franchi and Rhys Francis will be co captains of the Steelmen for the 2022/23 Indigo Group Welsh Premiership season.

Speaking on the announcement head coach Jason Strange had this to say.

Co captains signals a fresh approach with a new look squad this season at the club . 

“First of all, both Joe and Rhys have always showed high levels of consistency in the way they prepare and represent the club. Both are outstanding club men, from the Ebbw Vale area and have a huge amount of respect from the players, coaches and supporters . 

They symbolise the character and values of what we expect from a Ebbw Vale player. They work extremely hard and their off-field activities are aligned with what we expect from all the players “

Jason Strange 

It’s a great honour and privilege to be asked to co-captain Ebbw Vale. Having been led by several great Ebbw captains hopefully I can draw inspiration from them and help the club get back to competing at the top of the premiership. We have an exciting young squad so I’m looking forward to challenge ahead and also hearing plenty of noise from the addicts on a Saturday afternoon!

Rhys Francis

It’s a massive honour to be named captain of Ebbw Vale again. I just hope I can spend more time leading by example this year. I will feel extremely privileged to lead the boys out against Newport on Saturday to kick the season off.

Joe Franchi

Joe also had this to say on Saturday’s big opening fixture against Newport.

We all understand the importance of the game on Saturday. There are so many elements you can talk about with regard’s to this fixture that make it something special. Whether it’s the history, supporters, Gwent bragging rights or getting momentum for the league. It’s going to be a great occasion and I’m looking forward to going to the well on Saturday.

It is with great sadness that the club has learned of the sad death of long term Ebbw supporter and dad to former club photographer Neil Roberts.

Tony spent many years on the bank but lately sat in the back row of the stand.

He will be sadly missed and we will observe a minutes silence in his memory at our first home game.

Our thoughts are with Pat, Neil, David and families at this sad time.

Pre Match Hospitality With Nigel Davies & Byron Hayward

Join us on Saturday 17th September for our Prem Cup fixture against Carmarthen Quins where we will be running a pre match lunch with guest speakers Nigel Davies and Byron Hayward.

Arrival will be from 12:30 with food served at 1pm.

Prices
Season ticket holders £10

Non season ticket holders £20

To book email marketing@evrfc.co.uk or call Gareth Howells on 07974873683

Tickets are now available for Ebbw Vale RFC Ladies Day on Saturday 24th September supporting the RJ9 appeal.

The day will consist of:

• Ticket price is £10 per head
• Afternoon tea
• Prosecco on arrival
• Table magician
• Casino
• Rugby match (RGC1404) 
• After match entertainment
• Music ‘til late
• Raffles
• Stalls
• Table quizzes

Please visit https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/ebbw-vale-rfc-ladies-day/ for Tickets 🎫

Ebbw Vale RFC Ladies Day 🥂

Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signing of hooker Alex Watkins who joins us from Pontypool.

On joining Ebbw Alex said; “I’m really looking forward to starting the season the competition in my place is really good and I am looking forward to the challenge. Pre-Season has been tough but enjoyable and we have worked real hard as a squad.

I started my rugby career at Blackwood at 18 then signed for Bargoed when we won the championship and then went to Newport for a season. I then joined pontypool for 6 seasons and now join  the Steelmen.

Previous Clubs: Blackwood, Bargoed, Newport, Pontypool

Height: 6ft

Weight: 106kg

Position: Hooker

Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signing of second row Dylan Bartlett who joins us from Cardiff Met. 

On joining Ebbw Dylan said; “I’m looking forward to making an impact in the Premiership, within a new-look Ebbw Vale RFC. The team has undergone a lot of change for this season, and the premiership won’t know what to expect. Over the next few seasons, I am sure we will grow from strength to strength and become a team to be reckoned with amongst the Prem.

Previous Clubs: Cardiff Met, Dragons Academy, Wales U19s & U20s

Height: 6ft 5

Weight: 115kg

Position: Second Row

Follow the new Indigo Group Premiership season on S4C with live matches from the first week to the last.

S4C’s Rygbi Indigo Prem will show matches from every round of the season, with coverage being shown online and on television. Lauren Jenkins will host Rygbi Indigo Prem, and she will be joined by a host of familiar rugby names throughout the season.

S4C’s coverage gets underway at Sardis Road on Saturday 3 September, with a live broadcast of the match between Pontypridd and reigning champions Cardiff. The match will be televised on S4C and shown online on S4C Clic, with kick off at 5.30pm. English match commentary will also be available.

On Thursday 8 September, the match between Swansea and Aberavon will be shown online on S4C Clic, S4C YouTube page and the S4C Chwaraeon Facebook Page, with kick off at 7.30pm.

Newport host Cardiff on Thursday 22 September, with the match being shown online from 7.30pm. A week later on Thursday 29 September, there will be live online coverage of Bridgend v Merthyr (7.30pm), while Ebbw Vale v Llandovery will be broadcast online on Thursday 6 October (7.30pm).

Lauren Jenkins said: “It’s a new Indigo Group Premiership season and it feels like a fresh start after the impact of the pandemic on the last few seasons. The clubs have all strengthened during the summer, and with the likes of Adam Warren, Dan Baker, Josh Lewis and Tavis Knoyle all joining the league, the quality will only improve.

“But as we saw last season, the level of entertainment on show is second to none, with so many high-scoring matches and fierce rivalries. That is what Welsh rugby is all about.”

Sue Butler, S4C Sports Commissioner, said: “The Indigo Group Premiership is the pinnacle of Welsh club rugby and is an important foundation of our national game. S4C is committed to showing Welsh sport across all of our platforms and we’re looking forward to some cracking Thursday night games.

Geraint John, Welsh Rugby Union Community Director, added: “Last year’s televised games proved a massive hit for players, coaches, match officials, fans and clubs alike and I’ve no doubt it will be similar again this season. To have this coverage across a number of channels can only be good for the game and the Indigo Premiership.”

Indigo Group Premiership 2022/23 – Live matches on S4C

Saturday 3 September – Pontypridd v Cardiff – KO 1730 – S4C and S4C Clic

Thursday 8 September – Swansea v Aberavon – KO 1930 – S4C Clic, Youtube, Facebook

Thursday 22 September – Newport v Cardiff – KO 1930 – S4C Clic, Youtube, Facebook

Thursday 29 September – Bridgend v Merthyr – KO 1930 – S4C Clic, Youtube, Facebook

Thursday 6 October – Ebbw Vale v Llandovery– KO 1930 – S4C Clic, Youtube, Facebook

Kit Launch & Supporters Q&A

On Wednesday 31st of August we will be launching the new 22/23 match kit in the clubhouse and also hosting a supporters Q&A where Jason and his coaching team will be outlining the plans ahead. Supporters will get a chance to see the new kit’s and also speak with current and new players and ask any questions you may have. 

The event will start at 7pm in the clubhouse so we urge all supporters to arrive early to get their seats 

Season Tickets

Due to the current economic climate we have decided that season tickets will remain the same price for the 2022/23 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. Postage is £5.

The new system still allows for monthly payments and you will still receive a credit card style ticket.

Current monthly payers need to take no action as their membership has carried over to the new season. Anyone currently paying a monthly will carry on. Those members will be issued tickets without the need to purchase new, just attend one of the collection evenings and pick up your ticket.

SEASON TICKET COLLECTION

These will be available to collect from Mark at the clubhouse between 6-8pm on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from August 23rd. 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 

For those who purchased a season ticket last year, they now come with a QR code as well as a stripe. The QR code is to 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

Time to get excited!

After a complete squad overhaul with over twenty new players and many changes off the field we are about to begin a new era as a club with our first pre season fixture against Neath, The Welsh All Blacks this Saturday kick off 2.30 pm. 

Jason and the coaching team have been working hard during the off season to increase standards and instil a strong team ethos and positive culture. 

The main priority has been to recruit a particular type of player who will fit in to the Ebbw Vale environment and be fully committed to the journey ahead. 

They have signed players, many that are local who are young, talented and ambitious. Saturdays game will give the coaches an opportunity to observe the players in a competitive environment against a well coached and established Neath team.

We now call on the Ebbw Addicts to outnumber the Gnoll crowd and shout on the Steelmen this Saturday at 2:30pm

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the continued support of MetPro Wales for the forthcoming 22/23 Indigo Welsh Premiership Season. We would like to thank MetPro for their support of the club over the years and cannot wait for you to join us at some of this seasons fixtures.

MetPro (Wales) are again proud to support and sponsor Ebbw Vale RFC for the new 2022-2023 season.

We as a company have supported Ebbw Vale Mini and Juniors over the years along with the new U18’s Youth Team and most recent the Premiership Senior side.

We take pride in helping where we can for grass roots rugby and can’t think of a better club to be partners with.

We look forward to watching and supporting the lads this season “On The Bank” and wish everyone at the club all the success for this coming season.

Feel The Steel!!

David Spear Driving The Steelmen Forward

We are delighted to announce that David Spear have extended and expanded their commercial sponsorship of Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2022/23 season. You will now see the Steelmen wizzing around the roads and to games in our lovely shiny new kit van and will also feature on the match shorts and warm up top.

” We are delighted as ever to continue and increase our sponsorship with Ebbw Vale RFC. We hope supplying a Kit Van will give the club more support for those crucial away games. Everyone at David Spear Commercials & Spear Vehicle Hire wish the club all the best for the up and coming season “.

Says Geraint Yeo, Director, Spear Vehicle Hire.

Check out an array of vehicles here https://www.david-spear.com/ 

Fatra UK Ltd Re-Sign With The Steelmen 

Fatra UK Ltd are a leading supplier of flat roof waterproofing products and solutions. Operating through a network of trained and qualified roofing contractors, Fatra provide one of the most comprehensive flat roof waterproofing packages available in the industry backed by design services, costing advice, field support and training.

Based in Cardiff, Fatra UK Ltd was established in the early 1990’s and provide a comprehensive solution to both new build and refurbishment flat roofing projects.

We are delighted to once again have the continued support of Fatra UK Ltd especially in these difficult times, we would like to thank Matthew Shaw and the team at Fatra who have been a sponsor of the club for over seven years now.

You can find out more information here https://www.fatra.co.uk/ 

Feel the Steel with Spirit of Wales Distillery and Ebbw Vale Rugby Club

The team at Spirit of Wales Distillery is proud to announce their sponsorship with Ebbw Vale Rugby Club coming together as The Steelmen and the makers of commemorative Steeltown Welsh Spirits, creating the perfect partnership. Two local businesses working together to commemorate the steel towns of Wales with the nations favourite sport. 

Steeltown is a range of commemorate Welsh spirits inspired by the people, steel and mining industries surrounding Newport, South Wales. During the time of the partnership, Ebbw Vale Rugby Club plan to produce their own Steeltown Welsh Rum, which will be stocked in the bar at their grounds in Blaenau Gwent, along with Spirit of Wales award-winning Dragon’s Breath Spiced Rum and Steeltown Vodka and Gins. 

Spirit of Wales Distillery founder and CEO, Daniel Dyer commented “Excited to forge our partnership with Ebbw Vale RFC ‘The Steelmen’, it’s an exciting opportunity to support an exciting community led Rugby team with strong values that resonates with our company and personal values” Dyer added, “The new season should be an exciting one, and seeing the squad editions, I for one will be excited to see the younger team members flourish with their rugby careers”. 

Ebbw Vale Rugby Football Club is a Welsh Rugby Union Club based in the town of Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent. On the side of a mountain, in the valley and the air the steel industry finds its way into the hearts and minds of the people of Ebbw Vale. With industrial history dating back to the 1700’s through the Ebbw Vale Steelworks, the pride in this industry echoes that of the pride in Welsh Rugby and where the Steelmen train today. 

Gareth Howells, Commercial & Marketing Manager from Ebbw Vale Rugby Club added, “Being a Welsh Premiership rugby side located in a strong mining town dating back to the 1700’s we are delighted to announce this exciting partnership with the Spirit of Wales Distillery and the Steeltown brand. We cannot wait for our supporters to taste the fantastic drinks served in the clubhouse, these will also be able to purchase as presents and gifts during the season online.” 

“The Spirit of Wales brand will be on the match day shorts and will give awareness across Wales when we play and be seen when we play Live on S4C Wales. We would like to thank Daniel Dyer for his support of the Steelmen and cannot wait to kick start this partnership.” Added Howells. 

To find out more about the upcoming premiership which kicks off on Saturday 3rd of September 2022, visit the Ebbw Vale Rugby Club website. Spirit of Wales Distillery will be at the games to treat the man of the match to a winning tipple too during the Indigo Welsh Premiership Season. The Indigo Welsh Premiership features games shown live on S4C Wales as and when selected. 

To learn more about the Spirit of Wales Distillery and award-winning Welsh Rum, please visit the online store or find them on social media. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn.

B&L Roofing Extend Sponsorship Of Ebbw Vale RFC

B&L now enter a third season as an Ebbw Vale Sponsor and have increased their support further for the Steelmen having enjoyed their association with the club. We would like to thank Mark Love and look forward to hosting Mark and his team on match days at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

If you are looking for any roofing work to be done please check out https://www.facebook.com/Bl-roofing-wales-ltd-182075050056334 

Central FM Group are proud to sponsor Ebbw Vale Rugby once again for the 2022/23 season.

Grassroots rugby is a major part of the local community of Ebbw Vale.

We are fortunate enough to be able to sponsor players through the age categories and support them whenever we can.

Being a local business we feel it is very important to invest in the future of the people in the community that we serve.

Central FM Central FM Group is a local company that supplies all aspects of security to local and national companies throughout the South Wales area. We provide a very professional, second to none service with vast experience within the security industry.

Our locally based Control Centre, Supervisors and Mobile Patrol staff enables Central to provide a fully supportive service to our customers and staff 24/7, 365 days a year.

More information can be found here http://centralukgroup.co.uk/ 

Time to get excited!

Introducing Your BRAND-NEW 2022/23 Ebbw Vale RFC Match Shirt

With the 2022/23 season on the horizon, you can now pre-order your brand-new 2022/23 Ebbw Vale RFC home and away jerseys! Anticipated delivery time is around 12th of September

We’ve been working with our new official kit supplier Scimitar to bring you the new range of Leisure wear and match kit, featuring the traditional home jersey and the fantastic away jersey.

Pre-order your match kit & leisure wear for adults and children now at  http://www.evrfc.shop

#FeelTheSteel