Author Archives: Gareth Howells

Ebbw remain at home this weekend as we welcome Carmarthen Quins to the CiNER Glass Community Stadium. Following on from a fortnight night ago, with a first win under Jason Strange versus Llanelli the camp is in a happy mood and knows there is still plenty to come.

“We’re still learning about each other, but we need consistency as a group and individually. When people did their jobs, we looked half decent, and we need to keep that level up,” said Jason.

This will be the first meeting between the sides since February 29^th, 2020 – nearly two years following Covid. That one ended 6-6, and with a red weather warning for much of South Wales this weekend it’s fair to say it could be another close, low-scoring affair.

The Steelmen’s first league win of the season, and first of any kind since September saw them leapfrog both Swansea and Bridgend, who remain winless. Quins, however, have been rampant to get their league campaign underway. They currently sit top of the league having played four times already and will pose both a powerful forward threat and a potent backline.

“I thought tonight was the first real sign of being near where we want our culture to be. We looked like a team that wanted to play for each other for the first time and I hope that continues into Carmarthen,” Jason added.

Supporters are reminded to remain vocal at all times and you can purchase tickets here: Indigo Welsh Premiership – Saturday 19th February – Carmarthen | EVRFC

Let’s pack the bank and make sure Carmarthen #FEELTHESTEEL

By Robert Rees

Ebbw Vale Side To Play Quins

Your Steelmen squad to take on Carmarthen Quins this Saturday 2:30pm at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.

We ask all supporters to pre purchase your tickets here online in advance  https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-19th-february-carmarthen/

15 Dan Haymond

14 Dafydd Howells

13 Dom Franchi (Capt)

12 Ethan Phillips

11 Carrick McDonough

10 Evan Lloyd

9 Matthew Flanagan

8 Lewis Young

7 Owen Young

6 Alex Howes

5 Dan Hill

4 Ethan Doyle

3 Dave Whiting

2 Harry Bee

1 Ross Jones

Replacements

16 Mikhail Blake

17 Rob Sevenoaks

18 Joel Harris

19 Lance Randall

20 Joe Thomas

21 Jonathan Evans

22 Rhys Jones

23 Ryan Evans

Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signings of Joe Thomas from Cross Keys RFC and Lewis Kinsella from USK RFC.

Joe joins the club as an open side flanker and has worked under Jason previously with Wales U18s and follows in father Gavin’s footsteps in wearing the red, green and white at Eugene Cross Park. Signed at the same time, Lewis is a talented loose head prop who will add depth to the Ebbw Vale front row.

Joe will cover the gap in the squad with Dawid Rubasniak being ruled out by injury for the rest of the season

Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Geraint Lewis who is returning to the club having had a 4 month stint at the club in 2013/14 as forwards coach of the Steelmen. Geraint is a leading coach within the game and has experience in playing at the highest level where he won 16 caps for Wales and has represented Pontypridd RFC, Rotherham Titans, Bristol and Bath Rugby.

Geraint, who has been the Wales Women forwards coach for the past two years, was part of the Wales U20 Grand Slam winning coaching team in 2016 and carried out the roles of Wales U18 and Wales U19 head coach prior to joining the Wales Women coaching team on a full-time basis. He has also previously coached Pontypridd in the Indigo Welsh Premiership

Geraint is linking up with Jason Strange having worked together with the Welsh age grade groups previously.

Geraint said; I am delighted to be back at Ebbw Vale as part of the coaching group. When Jason phoned me to enquire whether I would be interested in helping out, I did not hesitate to accept.  With my change of circumstances professionally, it offers me the ideal opportunity to combine my daytime coaching and lecturing with young talented players at Coleg y Cymoedd, whilst also supplementing this with coaching at the top end of the semi professional game in the Welsh Premiership.

In my short time with the squad thus far, the players have proved to be a hard working, ambitious and able group who are determined to improve the clubs fortunes going forward and I hopefully can play my part in this.

Jonathan Jones Ebbw Vale RFC chairman said: Geraint made a great impression in the short time he was at the club as a coach in 2013/14 prior to moving to Pontypridd RFC as part of his then role with the Cardiff Regional set up. He renews his successful coaching partnership with Jason Strange that was very successful at Wales 18 and U20 levels. Geraint coaching ability will assist the development of the all the players plus the younger coaches within Jasons coaching group

We can now confirm that the home fixture against Llandovery in the Indigo Welsh Premiership will be played on Thursday 17th March with a 7:30pm kick off. The game will take place at the CiNER Glass Community stadium EXP.

Ebbw claim first win under Strange this season

Ebbw got their first win of the league campaign and their first win since September as they took down Llanelli 22-12 at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium on Friday night.

The pack were well on top as the healthy crowd were in fine voice, the first loud roar of the night coming when Alex Grey crossed over the whitewash after some hefty forward work. 

It was once again Grey who got the second try, but kudos must go to the likes of Dom Franchi whose stinging tackle near the bank on the Llanelli winger echoed around the ground. 

Rhys Jones was also back in fine fettle, as he utilised the wind that was with the hosts to great avail. The Steelmen leading 17-5 at the break following a late Llanelli try.

Jason Strange’s side would once again resume control when Daf Howells bagged yet another try for Ebbw, crossing in the far corner to put Ebbw within a shout of a bonus point. Despite some major chances it never came, but the home crowd were in fine spirits seeing the boys back to winning ways and having some key players back from injury.

Looking back at the game Jason said, “after Cardiff last week it was a big improvement. Probably the biggest plus was the players stuck with what we asked them to do and executed it well. On top of that there was a lot more emotion and desperation, which should be the minimum.

“I’m always going to be greedy, but I felt we left the bonus point out there and we deserved it, but in the last half hour we got a but frenetic. If we’d been a bit more clinical, we could have bagged two or three more tries, but that’ll come.”

The club goes again on the 19^th when we welcome another West Walian outfit, Carmarthen Quins to the CiNER Glass Community Stadium Eugene Cross Park.

TICKETS

We ask non season ticket holder supporters to pre purchase tickets here https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-19th-february-carmarthen/

We can now confirm a date for the team’s rearranged Indigo Welsh Premiership fixture away to Pontypridd. The fixture will take place on Saturday 23rd April with a 2:30pm kick off away at Sardis Road.

Ebbw Vale Side To Play Llanelli 

Your Steelmen squad to take on Llanelli this Friday evening at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium with a 7:30pm kick off in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.

We ask all supporters to pre purchase your tickets here online in advance https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-friday-4th-llanelli/

15 Dan Haymond

14 Carrick McDonough

13 Dom Franchi

12 Ethan Phillips

11 Dafydd Howells

10 Rhys Jones

9 Jonathan Evans (Capt) 

8 Lewis Young

7 Alex Grey

6 Alex Howes

5 Ethan Doyle

4 Dan Hill

3 Dave Whiting

2 Harry Bee

1 Ross Jones

Replacements 

16 Mikhail Blake

17 Rob Sevenoaks

18 Aaron Coundley

19 Owen Young

20 Lance Randall

21 Matthew Flanagan

22 Mike Powell

23 Ryan Evans

Ebbw Vale v Llanelli Preview

Ebbw welcome Llanelli to the CiNER Glass Community Stadium on Friday (7.30KO) in what should be a very tasty clash. Ebbw will be hoping to lift the curtain on a 10-game losing streak after finishing bottom of the east conference, against the side that took bottom spot in the west!

Llanelli have picked up their first win of the season at the weekend though, against Bridgend, so have no doubts it’ll be a tough clash for both sides.

Despite entering the game following a hard result at Cardiff, Jason is keeping the eyes firmly on the home camp, “we’re at the start of a long journey for the players, who are understanding what they want and what we want from them.” 

It’s the first home game of 2022, so make sure to pack the bank and help the boys get back to winning ways.

Get your tickets beforehand here: https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-friday-4th-llanelli/

The TV cameras were back as Ebbw fell to Cardiff on Thursday night in Jason Strange’s first match back as Head Coach.

The visitors were first on the board when just two minutes into the game Rhys Jones kicked a penalty to give the Steelmen the lead. Cardiff would soon level with a penalty of their own, Aaron Coundley soon sin binned for a late hit. Cardiff taking full advantage of the extra man quickly racked up two tries before Ryan Evans saw yellow for taking out Theo Cabango, who was certainly in for a try had it not been for a late tackle.

New signing Alex Howe grabbed a try of Ebbw’s own before the break, but it wasn’t enough to force pressure on the Blue and Blacks! Six further tries would follow despite some parity at the scrum, but Ebbw Addicts in attendance last Thursday would certainly agree that it’ll take a few games before we see any noticeable game plan change.

“The tone of the game was set in the first 10 minutes really. For all our efforts and commitment, we were tactically quite poor and unforced errors never allowed us to get that back. We could have gone in 22-10 but didn’t and that would have been a massive bonus.

“Lots of work to do, but we learnt lots. If you’re on the back foot and under pressure you tend to give away penalties and cards. We’ve got a lot more to worry about than discipline, the foundation of our game needs to be stronger.

“The enthusiasm was very good first half and we’ve come up against a team in form and we’re at the start of a long journey for the players, who are understanding what they want and what we want from them.

“I’m not too worried about other teams, we’ll get our own house in order,” said Jason.

Ebbw Vale Side To Play Cardiff 

Your Steelmen squad to take on Cardiff this Thursday at Cardiff Arms Park with a 7:30pm kick off in the Indigo Welsh Premiership. Lets have a vocal Ebbw following to shout on the boy’s!

The fixture will be shown LIVE on the S4C facebook and youtube channels 

Covid guidelines apply http://cardiffrfc.com/covid-19-guidelines 

15 Ryan Evans

14 Jordan Thomas

13 Dom Franchi

12 Ethan Phillips

11 Mike Powell

10 Rhys Jones

9 Jonathan Evans 

1 Aaron Coundley

2 Mikhail Blake

3 Rob Sevenoaks

4 Dan Hill

5 Corey Talbot

6 Alex Howe

7 Owen Young

8 Lewis Young

16 Harri Bees

17 Ross Jones

18 Dave Whiting

19 Ethan Doyle

20 Alex Grey

21 Matthew Flanaghan

22 Richard Powell

23 Oliver Andrews

Looking ahead to their televised game with Cardiff at the Arms Park on Thursday night, returning Head Coach Jason Strange gives his thoughts on his return to the club, and looks ahead to his first proper game in charge.

“The boys have been great over Christmas, doing two or three sessions a week. I’m standing back a little bit and see where we are to know where we want to go with the lads, to create a game plan.”

“It’s better coming into the club this time round than it was when I first came here in 2010, I think it was, where we only had 6 players on the books and were in the Championship. At least we have 25 of our own players this time and are in the Premiership.”

The club had only won twice this season before Jason arrived and sat on the foot of the eastern conference of the Indigo Group Premiership Cup. Despite the obvious challenges ahead, Jason knows exactly what he wants from the players, and where he wants to go with them.

“We’ve worked on fitness a lot, and they’ve found that tough. Coming in, I’ve looked at the behaviour to see what type of group we are and what we want to be, on and off the field. Boys like Ross Jones and Aaron Coundley have added plenty of experience and we’re a young squad. 

“We’re looking at recruiting all the time, similar to what we do at St. Helens’, and the boys we want to bring in are those who need a chance, like Alex Howe at Abergavenny. I’m also looking at a few local boys as they’ll bring and understand the passion that they need to bring and succeed at the club.”

Supporters are urged to click record on their TV and head to the capital via train, bus or car and get behind Chippy and the boys, to make sure Cardiff #FEELTHESTEEL!!!

Anyone attending will require a Covid-19 pass. Get your digital pass at https://gov.wales/nhs-covid-pass-prove-your-vaccination-status

A paper pass is available if you call 0300 303 5667.

Our Indigo Group Welsh Premiership fixture against Newport RFC has been re-arranged for Thursday 24th of February with a 7:30pm kick off. The game will also be shown live via the s4c CLIC service online via youtube and facebook

Our Indigo Group Welsh Premiership fixture against Llanelli RFC has been re-arranged for Friday 4th of February with a 7:30pm kick off.

Pre purchase your tickets here for ease of entry https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-friday-4th-llanelli/

Our Indigo Welsh Premiership fixture against Cardiff will now take place on Thursday 27th of January at Cardiff Arms Park with a 7:30pm kick off. The game will be shown live on S4C Chwaraeon

Ebbw Vale v Wales U20’s

On Tuesday 18th January, Ebbw Vale will take on the Welsh U20’s side in a training fixture at the CiNER Glass Community stadium Eugene Cross Park. This will be two thirty minute halves and will kick off at 7:30pm. 

This fixture will be open to season ticket holders only and 100 limited tickets available to buy online. The proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the mini and junior section. 

If you are not a season ticket holder or have a pre purchased ticket you will not be allowed entry due to a 500 crowd limit as part of Welsh Governments current covid restrictions. 

Purchase your ticket here https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/ebbw-vale-v-wales-u20s/ 

Ebbw Vale v Wales U20’s

Training Game

Tuesday 18th January

7:30pm KO

CiNER Glass Community Stadium Eugene Cross Park

Eugene Cross Park

Ebbw Vale

NP23 5AZ

Ebbw Vale RFC can confirm that our Indigo Welsh Premiership fixture against Llanelli RFC on Saturday 15th of January at the CiNER Glass Community stadium Eugene Cross Park has been postponed.

The decision has been made following the changing landscape of the public health situation relating to the Omicron variant of Corona Virus, and the Welsh Government decision to force all sporting events in Wales to be played behind closed doors,

Squad Update Arrivals and Departures

The hugely popular Ross Jones has answered the call to arms and having decided to come out of retirement, Ross was about to sign at Pontypool but did an about turn back up the valley to Eugene Cross Park following a short discussion with Jason and Chairman Jon Jones. 

Ross has always added a great amount of value off the pitch, leading by example in training and always being available to young front row forwards as a mentor. He is guaranteed a big welcome back from the Ebbw Addicts

23 year old Back row forward Alex Howe has arrived from Abergavenny via a vert short stay at Cross Keys RFC and brings with him a very powerful carrying and tackling game

21 year old Hooker Harry Bee has joined the club from Blaenavon RFC after impressing the coaches in training, another who brings a powerful carrying game into the squad

Centre Ollie Andrews joins from Penallta RFC, another who has impressed the coaches in training with his pace and ball ability. He has previously represented the Dragons Academy and is a student at Swanseas University

The following players have left the club

Outside Half Lewis K Williams has taken a step back from rugby to try and resolve a recurring back issue which has affected his ability to work. Lewis endeared himself to the Ebbw Addicts with a superb display at Merthyr in the first game of the season which was capped with a nerveless winning penalty in injury time

Back Row forward Scott Parsons has taken on a new job as the Pelops his career as an engineer which has meant that he is unable to provide the level of commitment that is required to play in the Welsh Premiership

The club would like to thank both Lewis and Scott for their services to the club and hope to see them supporting the Steelmen in the future

Coaching Update 

Jason Strange has confirmed the following additions within his coaching team with the appointment of a highly experienced forward’s coach to follow in the next 6 weeks.

Aaron Coundley has been appointed as Scrum Coach and will also occasionally play as required. Aaron made his debut in Senior Rugby from the Dragons Academy in 2009/10 season, played for the Dragons senior team and has had spells with Neath and Pontypool where he has impressed with his ball playing and scrum abilities. This is Aaron’s first official coaching role but he also assisted in this area during his time at Pontypool RFC

Aaron will be joined on a part time basis by club legend Matthew “Chunky” Williams who will combine his role as Oakdale Head Coach with working on the scrum and line out. A renowned exponent of Lineout throwing he will use his expertise and understanding of the club following his 280 plus games for the club over 15 seasons that was ended by a shoulder injury.

Back’s coach Steve Lang joins from Penallta and having been mentored by Jason over a few seasons will add talent and enthusiasm for a 15 man rugby approach

They will also be joined by Conditioning Coaches Nicky Strange who joins his brother from Brynmawr RFC.

All coaches have been active with the club over the last 5 weeks

Ebbw Vale RFC can confirm that our Indigo Welsh Premiership League fixture against Pontypridd RFC on Monday 3rd of January 2022 at Sardis Road has been postponed.

The decision has been made mutually between both clubs following the changing landscape of the public health situation relating to the Omicron variant of Corona Virus, and the Welsh Government decision to force all sporting events in Wales to be played behind closed doors from 26th December 2021.

Due to the uncertainty around the new restrictions the Indigo Welsh Premiership fixture against Newport On December 27th has been postponed. We will update you on when this fixture will be played as soon as we can.

The Club shop will be open tomorrow (Saturday) from 1 til 4 for Christmas stocking fillers

Due to a mix of people across the club displaying symptoms of Covid, positive cases at the Wales U20’s training camp. The club has taken medical advice and have reluctantly taken the decision to postpone tomorrows fixture against Llandovery

Ebbw Vale Side To Play Llandovery

Your Steelmen squad to take on Llandovery this Saturday in the Indigo Welsh Premiership, our last home game before the Christmas break.

We are calling on the Ebbw Addicts to come down to the CiNER Glass community stadium in your Christmas jumpers and shout on the boys as our 16th Man from the bank! 

We are asking supporters and visiting supporters to buy your tickets online in advance, you can buy them here https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-18th-december/

1 Arron Coundley

2 Connor Chapman

3 Rob Sevenoaks

4 Ethan Doyle

5 Cory Talbot

6 Alex Howes

7 Dawid Rubasniak

8 Lewis Young

9 Jonathan Evans (c)

10 Evan Lloyd

11 Dafydd Howells

12 Ethan Phillips

13 Joe Westwood

14 Ewan Rosser

15 Dan Haymond

Substitues

16 Harri Bee

17 Ross Jones

18 Adam Williams

19 Frankie Suto

20 Owen Young

21 Matthew Flanagan

22 Rhys Jones

23 Ryan Evans

Ebbw kickstarted their Indigo Group Premiership season off with a disappointing result away to Merthyr. Despite a 31-13 score line in favour of the Ironmen, Ebbw left with a decent performance to get Jason Strange’s second period in charge f the club underway.

The Steelmen got the scoreboard underway when Evan Lloyd kicked the first of his penalties, only to see Sam Jones of Merthyr cross the whitewash to give the host the lead. Lloyd soon grabbed another penalty to get the visitors within a point, only top be pinned back by a try from Merthyr skipper Craig Locke. Merthyr would add another penalty before the break. 

Daf Howells got Ebbw’s first try with a neat little play inside Merthyr’s 22, but that was to be the last of Ebbw’s ventures over the whitewash. Tries from Tom Daley and our old nemesis ‘penalty try’ widened the gap to a rather flattering score line, despite a deserved result for Merthyr. 

Ebbw will now face their first east vs west clash when Llandovery travel to town this Saturday, so make sure to pack the bank at the CiNER Glass Stadium and make the Drovers #FEELTHESTEEL!!!