Author Archives: Gareth Howells

We are excited to welcome top young prospect Curtis Gregory to Ebbw Vale RFC. Curtis has experience in playing in the Welsh Championship and is keen to work with the coaching staff at the club to develop his game and help Ebbw challenge for honours in 22/23. Curtis joins a club where he has strong fiends and family connections, with school team mates, Ethan Philips, Dawid Rubasniak and Joel Harries members of the Steelmen squad. His father Mark has also played for the club with younger brother Max having developed through the Mini and Junior section and will be a prt of the Steelmen Youth Squad in 2022/23

Curtis had to say on his signing.

My ambition has always been to play Premiership rugby and I was over the moon when Ebbw Vale offered me the opportunity to play for my local club. I have worked with Jason in the past and he is a coach who I have looked up to and am looking forward to being coached by again. I look forward to the challenges ahead and playing in front of the Ebbw supporters

Height: 6ft 4

Weight: 17st

Honours: 3 x championship winner

Jordan Davies becomes a steelman

We are delighted to announce that Jordan Davies will be joining the steelmen for the 22/23 season. A local abrasive forward who is keen to learn and develop his game further.

Jordan commented on his move to the Ciner Glass stadium.

It’s a big move in my career and I can’t wait to get stuck into an exciting challenge when pre-season starts in July.

Height : 6ft 7

weight : 124kg

Position: Second Row

Clubs represented: Hafodyrynys, Abertillery and Croesyceiliog

Steelmen Youth Management Team Completed

Ebbw Vale RFC have now completed the management team for the youth and development teams at the club with the recruitment of ex Newbridge & Cardiff centre Richard Brown. Richard will assist Head Coach Mathew Williams with the coaching of the youth & development teams at The Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

Richard has a proven record in developing young players having coached representative age grade rugby and had successful periods with both Newbridge & Crumlin youth

On accepting his new coaching position, Richard commented, ‘I’m hugely excited to be involved and to start to contribute the development of future star Steelmen and looking forward to working with some great rugby people at Ebbw Vale’.

Head of Player & Coach Development, Alun Harries, added, ‘Richard’s appointment is the final piece in a quality management team for the youth & development section of the club. He has the detailed and critical approach to his coaching that the young players will thrive off and will be a great compliment to Chunky’

The full Youth & Development Management Team:

Head Coach: Mathew Williams

Assistant Coaches: Richard Brown & Phil Seward

Support Management: Damien Jenkins, John Prendergast & Andy Wallace

Welcome Andrew Mann

We are delighted to announce that 6ft 3 second row forward Andrew Mann is returning to Ebbw Vale for the 22/23 season. Andrew has a wealth of experience in the Welsh Premiership and is looking forward to playing in front of the Ebbw Addicts

Andrew had this to say on joining Ebbw Vale; 

After spending the last 5 seasons away with Newport RFC, I have looked to play closer to home as I have work/family commitments to fulfil with a newborn on the way, really excited to see what the future holds with Ebbw as they’re a very close bunch and play with a lot of heart, looking forward to pulling on the jersey at Eugene and play in front of a very loud crowd 🙂

Height:6ft 3”(190.5cm)

Weight: 16st 101kg

Pos: Second Row

Honours: Winning the premiership cup with Newport RFC, Coaches Player of the year for Newport 19/20 season.

Clubs: Brynmawr, Blaenavon, Ebbw vale RFC, Newport RFC.

Ebbw Vale RFC is currently looking for a physiotherapist/sports therapist/sports rehab practitioner / osteopath / chiropractor for the upcoming season. The role will start at the beginning of July and you will be available for training & games during the season. Rugby / sport experience desirable 

A pitch side trauma qualification is a must and the renumeration for the position will be based on your experience and discussed with the club at your interview.

Roles: 

– Assisting with up keep of the WRU minimum standards criteria 

– Managing player injuries, including creating a clinical impression and rehabilitation programmes 

– Joint working with club physio, coaches and additional back room staff 

– Pitch side cover at games

If you feel you have the correct experience and qualifications then please send your CV ASAP to Saran Wyburn on swyburn09@gmail.com

McDonough signs for the steelmen

Addicts favourite Carrick McDonough has signed for the steelmen for the 22/23 season from the Dragons. The former sprinter and Wales u20s wing is looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season with the boys and learning of Jason and the other coaches to develop his game. Carrick will also continue to work with Wales 7’s in the coming season

Carrick said.

I’m very excited to sign for Ebbw Vale this coming season, the club is rebuilding, and I know the 22/23 season is going to be a promising one, the new coaching staff are adding new things to the club and the new boys coming in will make a difference.

Height : 181cm

Weight : 88kg

Honours : Wales 18s, Wales 20s and Wales 7s

Clubs represented: Ebbw Vale, Cross Keys and Bridgend

Jordan Pritchard signs for the Steelmen

We are delighted to announce the signing of experienced tight head prop Jordan Pritchard for the 2022/23 season. 

Hailing from Ferndale, Jordan first started his rugby with Rhondda Schools under 15’s, advancing on to the Blues Under 16s, and Ospreys Under 18’s. Jordan has also represented Swansea RFC, Pontypridd and Treorchy RFC as well as Ospreys A. 

Speaking to Jordan on signing for Ebbw Vale he said, I am looking forward to new challenges at Ebbw and progressing as a player and can’t wait to start with the squad for pre season.

Height 6ft

Weight 123kg

Position Tight Head Prop

Honours

Rhondda U15s

Cardiff Blues U16s

Boys Club of Wales U16s

Ospreys U18s

Ospreys A

Bridgend College, Treorchy RFC, Pontypridd RFC, Swansea RFC

We are delighted to announce the signing of exciting young full back Morgan Richards. Morgan has represented Wales at U20’s level as well as the Dragons and most recently Pontypridd RFC in the Welsh Premiership.

On signing for Ebbw Vale, Morgan had the following to say;

The project at Ebbw Vale for next season is something that has really excited me. It is something I want to be apart of, there will be a lot of new faces in the squad so let’s hope we can hit the ground running. I can’t wait to get started.

Morgan Richards

Height – 6ft

Weight – 91kg

Position – Full Back, Wing

Honours – Wales 16’s, Wales 18’s, Wales 20’s, Dragons.

Clubs Represented – Caldicot RFC (home club), Dragons 16’s, Dragons 18’s, Dragons Celtic Cup, Pontypridd.

Morgan’s Video Highlights  https://youtu.be/CLLnsoCwg10

Dan Haymond Appointed Team Manager

After announcing his recent retirement Dan Haymond has accepted the vacant position of Team Manager at the Steelman and will be supported by the long serving Team Administrator Doug Taylor. 

Dan had 210 caps for the Steelmen that included 4 title winning seasons, 2 cup semi finals, A fierce competitor and player who always gave 100% every time he pulled on the Steelmen jersey

This completes the off field set up and Chairman Jon Jones had this to say about the appointment of Dan,

When Dan discussed his retirement with Jason and myself, both of us agreed that we wanted to keep Dan involved at the club and the vacant Team Manager’s role was an ideal opportunity. Dan epitomises what has been good about the club over the last 10 years, pride in the badge, skill, heart and honesty. Good people create good environments and we are confident that Dan will continue to play a major part in driving a culture of hard work leading to success

Dan commented; 

Obviously when I new it was time to hang my boots up it wasn’t a decision I wanted to make, so when Jason told me he still wanted me involved with the club and offered me the team manager’s role it was a no brainer for me.

It will be a strange feeling and it is going to take a bit of time for me to get used to the role but I will give it 100% and do my best for the boys and club. I am hoping having played under Jason for so long and played along side the boys that I can be a good link between the both and can’t wait to get stuck in.

Coaching Team Announcement

Chairman Jon Jones is delighted to announce that the coaching Team appointed in December 2021 will lead the Steelmen into the 2022/23 season having steadied the ship and gained 3 wins in what was a tough and disappointing 2021/22 season

Head Coach Jason Strange will once again be backed up by Forwards Coach Geraint Lewis, Backs Coach Steve Lang, S&C Coach Nicky Strange and Aaron Coundley will continue as scrum coach.

All retained players have left with training plans for the summer prior to recommencement of pre season training at the beginning of July

Jason said;

“Last season gave the coaches an opportunity to look at the squad and the clubs position both on and off the field. It became obvious that it was a big rebuilding job with changes needed. There’s a lot to turnaround which isn’t going to happen overnight but next season’s squad will be increased, improved and stronger.

Its now important we look towards the future by recruiting the right type of characters, working hard in pre season and getting everyone going in the same direction towards a clear goal.

Ebbw Vale RFC Youth
Assistant Coach

Following the appointment of club stalwart Mathew Williams as Head Coach for the youth team at Ebbw Vale, the club are now recruiting an Assistant Coach to work with Mathew and the youth team and aid the clubs Pathway to Premiership programme.

As Assistant Coach you will also work with the senior squad coaches for preparation of the club’s Development XV fixtures

Duties will include:
– Responsibility for backline play
– Assist the Head Coach in team tactics and playing strategy
– Enhance player’s core skills
– Attend and deliver on youth team and development XV sessions
– Attend youth and development XV matches

This role will suit an enthusiastic and ambitious coach who wishes to be part of a Premiership club coaching environment, ideally WRU (or other recognised union) Level 2 qualified, or at least be willing to work towards that qualification

For more details or to express an interest please contact:

Alun Harries
Head of Player & Coach Development
M: 07932 024408
E: harries.1@btinternet.com

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that the following backs will remain with the Steelmen for the season 2022/23.

Scrum Half – Jon Evans, Matthew Flannagan

Centres – Dom Franchi, Ethan Phillips, Paul King

Wing – Jordan Thomas

New signings to follow early next week

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that the following Forwards have been retained for the 2022/23 season. With the coaching group maintaining an experienced core of players plus young forwards who joined during the season who quickly became Addicts favourites

Loose Head Prop’s – Luke Garrett, Joel Harries, Lewis Kinsella
Hookers – Joe Franchi, Harry Bee, Mickhal Blake
Tight Head – Dave Whiting
Second Row – Lance Randall 
Back Row – Lewis Young, Alex Howes, Joe Thomas, Dawid Rubasniak

Following the well publicised retirements of Steelmen stalwarts Rob Severnoakes and Dan Haymond the club can confirm that the following players are leaving the Ciner Class Community Stadium and all Officials, Coaches and Squad members would like to thank them for the their contribution to the club and wish them the best of luck for the future rugby and work careers,

Thank you all and  Once a Steelman always a Steelman


Corey Talbot
Alex Grey
Owen Young
Rhys Jones
Mike Powell
Ryan Evans
Harry Harding
Dan Hill

The season ended last Saturday with the annual awards night at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium.

Despite a lack of honours for the club this season there were plenty of players looking for individual reward.

The evening kicked off by awarding Evan Lloyd with the top points scorer for Ebbw this season, finishing on 47 points. Karl Offers presenting Evan before announcing that Daf Howells would be the top try scorer for the Steelmen this season, with Daf unable to make the night.

Try of the season came from the ugliest result, away to Newport in the Greg Woods era. Ewan Rosser’s try in the corner nearest the Addicts taking the prize. 

The Gareth Howls Captain’s award went to Joe Franchi, but as President Mark Powell said, “What do the Davis Cup, Ryder Cup and Ebbw Vale RFC all have in common? They have non-playing captains,” signifying the unfortunate time Joe has had to take off with injury.

The Addicts’ Most Promising Player was also taken by Evan Lloyd who has been one of the shining lights this season at Eugene Cross.

For the first time in the club’s history the Ivor Evans Clubman award was a tie, going to both Rob Sevenoaks and Dan Haymond, unarguable considering their efforts on and off the pitch. Oaksy also picked up the Dr Gordon Thomas award.

The Denzil Williams Players’ Player of the Year, presented by captain Franchi went to Ethan Phillips whilst the Addicts Player of the Season was Ethan ‘Oggy’ Doyle.

The Clive Burgess Man of Streel award, given to the player who has played the most games in a season for Ebbw went to Dan Hill, who spent most of the evening taking some stick for his sole appearance for those in Black and Amber down the valley.

In fitting fashion to their services for the club, the evening was rounded off with a couple of special presentations, both awarded by the Franchi brothers. Firstly, the boys handed over a collection from the players and their thanks for the kit men, which was proudly accepted by Ron, Doug, Dilwyn and Ash on the night. 

Lastly. Oaksy and Dan Haymond were given a special portrait caricature of their time at Ebbw as they both bid farewell to playing duties at the club, but as was announced by Jon Jones, Dan will return as Team manager next season.

List Of Awards

Top Points Scorer – Evan Lloyd

Top Try Scorer – Dafydd Howells

Try Of The Season – Ewan Rosser v Newport

Gareth Howls Captain’s Award – Joe Franchi

Ebbw Addicts Most Promising Player – Evan Lloyd

Ivor Evans Clubman Award – Rob Sevenoaks & Dan Haymond

Dr Gordon Thomas Award – Rob Sevenoaks

Denzil Williams Played Player Of The Year Award – Ethan Phillips

Ebbw Addicts Player Of The Year – Ethan Doyle

Clive Burgess Man Of Steel Award – Dan Hill

New Youth Team Head Coach for The Steelmen

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that former player Mathew Williams will take over as Head Coach for the youth team.

Mathew, known in the rugby community as Chunky, played nearly 300 games for Ebbw Vale and was an integral part of the squad’s success in winning leagues and becoming Premiership champions in 2016.

On his appointment Mathew stated, ‘It’s great to be back at the club that was a huge part of my rugby career and to be working with a talented squad of young players, who I hope all go onto having the same success I enjoyed with the club’.

Mathew started his coaching career at his local club Oakdale and Steelmen Head Coach , Jason Strange, is looking forward to supporting him further in his coaching career, ‘Chunky is a very good young coach and it’s  great to have in back in the fold. He will also be working with seniors, so that we have that clear route and continuity for young players coming through as part of our Premiership Pathway programme’ .

Any 16-18 year olds wishing to be part of the youth and development programme at Ebbw Vale , please contact Head of Coach & Player Development, Alun Harries on 07932 024408

Are you a 16-18 year old rugby player aiming to play in the highest domestic league in Wales?

Ebbw Vale RFC is offering a bespoke ‘Pathway to Premiership’ programme for aspiring young players.

Joining Ebbw Vale RFC Youth team as the first step you will receive high quality and experienced coaching and support providing access to and sessions with the successful and highly qualified First XV coaches.

The pathway support goes beyond your time in youth rugby as Ebbw Vale RFC will be running a Development XV, coached by the senior coaches and the opportunity for you to wear the Ebbw Vale jersey and push for a semi-pro contract, plus potentially play in New Zealand or Australia for a season as part of your development.

For more details and to start your journey to the Welsh Premiership contact;

Alun Harries, Head of Player & Coach Development

Mob: 07932 024408

Email: harries.1@btinternet.com

The Ebbw Vale RFC annual club dinner and presentation evening will take place on Saturday 14th May commencing at 6:00pm. 

The evening will consist of a Hog Roast which will be served with wedges and salad, along with a vegetarian option. If you have any food allergies please let Andrew or Angharad know when booking.

Cost per person will be £20

To book your place at the club dinner contact Andrew Phillips on ebbw48@gmail.com or 07766490358, or Angharad on 07816153355

The evening is open to over 18s only.

Ebbw ended their season in disappointing form to Bridgend with a 11-7 defeat at home. It was never to be the Steelmen’s day, or should that be night, when a 50:22 attempt from the Ravens was fielded back in play by Jordan Thomas which set up an easy opener for the Ravens. 

Despite going in 8-0 down at the break, Ebbw weren’t out of the game and needed some luck. Unfortunately, Evan Lloyd’s cracking kick bounced a foot inside the touchline and remained in play, whereas if it had bounced out, Ebbw would have retained possession about 50 metres up field.

Adding to that bad luck, Ebbw seemed destined to score when Ed Howley’s deliberate knocked on should have seen a penalty try as well as the yellow card that was brandished to the Bridgend winger.

Despite this Ebbw found themselves on the scoresheet when Joe Thomas powered over following some Ebbw pressure, unfortunately it was too little too late and the host couldn’t get another score.

“I was expecting better than that to end the season, but it’s pretty much summed up the past few weeks. Performance was nowhere near good enough, but our problems are obvious, and we can work on those over the summer,” said Jason after the game.

“The messages have been to be consistent, and we made too many errors and no disrespect to Bridgend, but they didn’t have to do a lot to beat us, they did the basics, and it was good enough. 

“Now isn’t the time to talk about rugby, but we all understand big changes are needed and a major rebuild is required at the club as we’re not good enough.”

With plenty of faces moving on to other clubs or through retirement the club wishes them all the best, Chippy adding, “The effort has never been in doubt, they’re a great group of boys to work with and it’s never nice to see players leave, but we’re doing it for the betterment of the club.”

Ebbw Vale RFC Youth

Following comments on social media there is a misinterpretation of boys reaching the age where under current rules they will be moving to senior rugby. There are no financial issues at the club at all and the club is about to announce a new coaching structure for the youth team to expand its development even further. 

Ebbw Vale Side v Bridgend Ravens

Your Steelmen side for the final time this season to take on Bridgend Ravens tomorrow evening in the Indigo Group Welsh Premiership at CiNER Glass Community Stadium, 7:30pm kick off. 

Team:

1. Luke Garrett

2. Michel Blake

3. Rob Sevenoaks

4. Lance Randall

5. Ethan Doyle

6. Dan Hill

7. Joe Thomas

8. Alex Howes

9. Jonathan Evans (c)

10. Rhys Jones

11. Carrick McDonough

12. Evan Lloyd

13. Dafydd Howells

14. Jordan Thomas

15. Daniel Haymond

Replacements

16. Liam lewis

17. Joel Harris

18. Aaron Coundley

19. Gethin Williams

20. Corey Talbot

21. Dawid Rubasniak

22. Matthew Flanagan

23. Lewis Bates

Steelmen Prop Star Rob Sevenoaks Announces Retirement

After 280 caps and 12 seasons with Ebbw Vale RFC the Tight Head Prop has announced his retirement from the game.

Rob joined the club from Abergavenny RFC as part of a new squad assembled by Neil Edwards and Jason Strange with Jason having first coached Rob in his time at Abergavenny.

The position of tight head prop is widely acknowledged as the toughest position in rugby and Rob, universally known as Oaksy became the cornerstone of the pack that won 5 league titles along with Ross Jones, Damian Hudd, Ashley Sweet and existing hooker Matthew “Chunky” Williams. Over many seasons the Steelmen pack became the most feared in the semi pro game in Wales with a scrum and driving game that was hard for teams to compete with. The recent words of British Lion and Wales loosehead Wyn Jones are worth noting when he described playing a cup game at Ebbw Vale “as the toughest and most physical game he has been involved in, the man against him was Oaksy and the front 5 that had started that first game for the Steelmen in Division 1 East.

Oaksy was also a key component in the driving line that became known as “Katch and Kynes” with his good friend Ronny capitalising in become top try scorer in the Premiership in our title winning year

Oaksy has carried severe knee issues for several seasons, a lesser man would have retired but his enjoyment of the game and the love for the club his teammates meant he was determined to carry on if the club needed him

Oaksy has always been a character on and off the pitch, never a quiet moment as he likes a chat, a referee once remarked post game how much he had enjoyed reffing the game apart from one moment in the second half, he thought he may have gone deaf until he realised that the silence was due to Oaksy being substituted! He was always central in any team social and enjoyed spending time with the Ebbw Addicts in the bar wherever the Steelmen played. On a more serious note, Oaksy believed in high standards in training and on a matchday, hard work being his mantra through his entire time at the club

He will be greatly missed on and off the field although he has stated he will not be a stranger at the club and will be watching as many games as he can.

As well as Rob, his family will be greatly missed as they have never missed games and contributed to the club in so many ways and all players, coaches, officials and supporters will want to see the Severnoakes family as often as possible

Commenting on his retirement, Rob said;

What can I say it’s hard knowing when your time is up but I’m not getting any younger that’s for sure!

Jason brought me in from Abergavenny in 2009 and I can honestly say I’ve had the best years up here with some of the best rugby moments but also some lows to. A big thank you to all the players I’ve played with and against, to the friends I’ve made over the years it’s been incredible. A big thank you also to my wife and kids for putting up with me and my moods when we have lost.

A massive thank you to the Ebbw supporters and I look forward to watching with you next season from the bank, you’ve been loyal and brilliant to us over the years even though the bad times.

I’d like to thank all the staff, coaches, physio’s, the Doc Rhys Thomas and kit men especially Ron and the boys for always picking up after me and to death who without him fixing me I wouldn’t still be playing and retired years ago

So a big Thank you to everyone for all the great memories and I wish the club every success in the future and can’t wait to watch next season.

My final words go to my Uncle Phil, my late father David and my mother Ginnie who have supported me through my time in rugby but particularly at Ebbw Vale and didn’t miss a game, thank you so much!

Oaksy

The Last Dance

We round off the season when host Bridgend at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium on Wednesday night (7.30KO).

The Steelmen enter of a short break following a disappointing loss away to Pontypridd. Ebbw currently sit tenth in the Premiership, just three points above the Ravens. A win is vital if Ebbw wish to keep two sides below them and could overtake Swansea should a bonus point victory take place.

Looking ahead to the game Jason said, “It’s always good to finish with a home game and hopefully take away the win and the performance. Unfortunately, the effort was there against Ponty, but accuracy and consistency were missing.

“I think a win is important for the supporters, but also the players. There’ll be a lot leaving on Wednesday and it’ll be nice for them to finish with a win.”

Despite a ‘different’ season due to Covid, let’s make sure we pack the bank and get behind the boys before we all head off to relax for the summer break.

You can get tickets in advance here; https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-26th-march-bridgend/ or you can buy them on the gate on the day.

Let’s get behind the boys one last time this season and make Bridgend #FEELTHESTEEL!!!

Ebbw ended their away trips for the season with a frustrating 14-3 loss to Pontypridd. Both teams struggled to get the game flowing with many handling errors and turnovers creating an open game from the off.

Despite a scrum that crumbled and a lineout that, for both sides, went either way at times, Ebbw got on the scoreboard first through the boot of Evan Lloyd. 

It was to be the only score of the first half that saw an electric crowd in fine voice.

The second half started to turn as Ponty applied the pressure up front. Four yellow cards for the Steelmen made it difficult to make any progress and two penalty tries as a result of a reversing scrum inside our own 22 was the major difference maker.

The result pushed Ponty up to fourth whilst Ebbw languish down in tenth with one game to play on Wednesday night against Bridgend.

Despite the result the visiting crowd made sure to show their colours and make their voices heard.

“I thought it was a poor standard, both teams were very loose and it felt like a pre-season game. Neither side were accurate and ultimately out of two poor teams their set piece won them the game,” said Jason after the game.

“You can’t do a lot about the scrums, it’s out of your control really. There’s lots of things I can control but pushing in scrums isn’t my forte. As a general pack we’ve been going well recently, but Ponty did the job on us and we need to rebuild over the summer along with other things. Without a set piece you don’t win games.

“I thought we had the three best players on the field in Alex Howe, Dan Hill and Daf Howells, but if you’re going backwards and living off scraps it doesn’t make much of a difference. We need players to be more consistent in doing their main job.”