Author Archives: Robert Smith

The theme of the event is festive get together over a pint and mince pie ( xmas jumpers optional)

Ebbw Vale supporters can still purchase our reusable branded face coverings so you can stay safe.

Following on from a high uptake on the first order we have had a number of further requests from fans for the new VX-3 Ebbw Vale RFC face coverings, priced at £6 each.

The face covers are available in adult and juniors sizes and are washable, reusable, provide a large covering and are triple layer in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for non medical masks.

The latest advice from the Welsh Government, based on updated guidance from the WHO, is to wear face coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport. For more information from the Welsh Government click https://gov.wales/3-layer-face-coverings-recommended-not-mandatory-certain-situations-wales

The Ebbw Vale RFC face coverings will take around 3-4 weeks turn around, if you require postage you will need to say so in the email, provide address and also postage will be an additional cost on top of the mask price. Postage is £1.50, and is the only delivery option under current circumstances.

Please note: All of our face coverings are for personal use. They are not suitable for hospital / medical use and therefore do not take away from NHS supplies. They are NOT medical grade masks or personal protective equipment (PPE). For more information please click https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

To order and purchase your Ebbw Vale RFC Face Covering email marketing@evrfc.co.uk by Monday 7th December

Further to the club’s charity partnership with Hospice of the Valleys we are excited to launch our away strip for the 20/21 season. The jersey includes the club and Hospice colours, as well as incorporating an outline map of the Blaenau Gwent Borough, the area the club and charity are passionate about.

The shirt is for sale via the club shop for Christmas along with a number of other new items of team merchandise.

Order yours now and support the club and hospice.

https://akumashops.com/ebbwvale/

It is with great sadness that we have heard of the death of Ralph Tansill. Ralph played in the centre for Ebbw Vale in the 1960s, and was a stalwart of the Athletic XV, forming a powerful midfield partnership with Terry Cameron. After his playing days, he continued to contribute to the club as a hard working committee member, including a season as Match Secretary, a demanding role at a time when there were 50 matches in a season.

Ralph was held in the highest regard by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and we send our heartfelt sympathies to Wendy and his family.

I trust that you are safe and well in these strange and difficult times. This is is the time of the year when we would all normally be excited at seeing the first few league games of a new season, watching old favourites and potential new Steelmen stars. I know that all the Officers and Coaches are excited at the potential of the squad that was assembled early this summer and were looking forward to seeing an exciting brand of rugby that would return The Steelmen to the top end of the Premiership after a tough relegation battle last year.
The club continues to manage its ongoing expenses in a careful manner and we thank you all for your continued support and commitment.
As we are already 6 weeks into a normal season, and with a start of rugby remaining uncertain, we are asking all our valued members who utilise the Standing Order method as a means of paying for their Season Ticket to consider how they would like to manage their Standing Orders. The club are suggesting that you take one of 2 options:
– Cancelling the Standing Order until it becomes clear what the new season will look like and when it will start.
– Continue to make the payments which will become a donation and save the club VAT on the amount. This would still result in the member being issued with a Season Ticket in the normal manner.

We would be grateful if you could reply to marketing@evrfc.co.uk

Jon Jones
Chairman Ebbw Vale RFC

Steelmen Continue Support For Hospice Of The Valleys

“During the initial crisis caused by the Covid 19 Global Pandemic the work of the key workers within the country led by the NHS has been outstanding in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

As a club we came together and decided to support our local Hospice to help their fundraising to provide care for people in great need. We organised a donations page, re run of the 2016 Premiership Final and also branded Ebbw Vale RFC face masks which was a huge success. We would like to thank everyone for their support so far!

The coaches, players and officials at Ebbw Vale RFC had a meeting last week and have decided that we will expand our fundraising for the Hospice and we will be launching a charity old fashioned Bobble Hat incorporating the club and hospice colours. This will be an essential item for the cold winter and also support the hospice and club.

These will be priced at £16 and to order your bobble hat ready for the winter please email marketing@evrfc.co.uk payment will be by BACS transfer and details of the club’s account will be supplied to you when you place your order.

“As a club we have partnered with such a worthy charity “Hospice of the Valleys” and so far raised a great amount of funds, but we don’t want to stop there. I know that it is a charity that is close to so many people who are associated with the club and the town itself. Hopefully this new initiative with the old school bobble hats will bring increased awareness of the Hospice and funds. As a playing and management group we will be looking to help out as much as we can and I am sure you will agree it is a great choice and worthy cause.”

Greg Woods
Ebbw Vale RFC
Head Coach

It was with great sadness that the club learnt of the death of former player, Phil Kingsley Jones, in New Zealand where he had lived for many years. Phil, a front row forward in his playing days for Ebbw Vale, Abertillery and Blaina, was the first generation to play for the Steelmen, followed by his son Kingsley and grandsons, Rhys and Dorian with Rhys still maintaining the family playing link with the club.

Phil became widely known for his role as a coach, mentor and manager of the rugby phenomenon that was Jonah Lomu, the first truly global rugby icon. Phil guided his career and ensured that his talent was recognised throughout the world.

Many in the Ebbw Vale area are eternally grateful to Phil for bringing Jonah to Ebbw Vale where he wore the Steelmen colours in a friendly game. Rugby fans old and young queued for autographs from the All Black giant with a smiling Phil by his side, the sense of pride in his protégé only matched by his pride in the area he came from.

As well as his work with Jonah, Phil was widely respected for his 30 years service to Counties Manukua rugby in various roles. His success as a coach led him to coach the Tongan national team and create another Steelmen link with guiding second row Kuli Faletau and full back Josh Taumololo to Ebbw, after a request from his son who was captaining the club at the time. Both played starring roles in the club’s success at the time and this action by Phil has also had a major influence on Welsh rugby with Kuli’s son Talupe becoming a star player for his adopted homeland. It is expected that several other sons of Tongan imports will make their mark on Welsh rugby in the near future.

Away from the game, Phil became a professional comedian and can only be described as a larger than life character who would fill a room with his presence and ensure a laugh and a smile for all in his company.

Our thoughts are with his wife Verina, daughters Vikki and Rhiannon and stepson James, along with those close to the Steelmen, Kingsley Jnr, Rhys and Dorian.

The Steelmen are delighted to add Wales 7s player Dafydd Smith to the squad for the coming season.

A product of Cardiff Blues Academy, Dafydd impressed on the 7s circuit with his pace, step and ball handling. He is confident of transferring his skill set to the 15-a-side arena. In the 13 shirt, Dafydd will add to the Steelmen’s strike power behind the scrum and the coaching group are confident he will become a firm favourite of the Ebbw Addicts.

Dafydd commented, “I’m excited at returning to the 15s game and delighted to get the opportunity to play at a prestigious club in Ebbw Vale.”

Link to footage
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Qi_TJzNsFlHv2fkwlGL3upXVrYyl4cF/view?usp=sharing

Following our excellent semi final win at Llandovery, this Friday Night at 7:30pm we take on Pontypridd RFC LIVE on Our Facebook Page ‬& YouTube Channel.

Get The Beers In 🍻🏉
‪Supported by Coleg Gwent.‬
A donation to our charity, Hospice of the Valleys, would be appreciated:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-the-steelmen-hospice-of-the-valleys

Look out for news of another squad addition this Friday afternoon (28th August).

Following our victory against Aberavon we progressed to the Semi Final v Llandovery at Church Bank.

Join us again for Friday Night LIVE on the club’s Facebook page & the Ebbw Vale RFC YouTube channel
Get the beers in and enjoy 🍻🍿

This Friday 7th August 7:30pm we look back at the semi final play off against Llandovery in the run in for the 2015-16 season!

Viewers are asked to make a small donation to our charity fundraising for Hospice Of The Valleys CIA the following link https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-the-steelmen-hospice-of-the-valleys

🗓️ Friday 7th August
⏰ 7:30pm
📍 Safe, at home!
🎥 @Facebook Live

#EbbwEbbw #Steelmen 🇭🇺

Come and join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at our outdoor bar at Ebbw Vale RFC, The Welfare.

We will be serving all your favourite tipples whilst adhering to social distancing rules.

Our individual pitches sit up to six people and can be booked out for £5 for 2 hours.

Our pitches are all individual, some come with benches and some with traditional picnic blankets …. You are also welcome to bring your own camping chairs and blankets if you wish to make your pitch your own! (All personal belongings must be taken with you afterwards so that we can ensure the safety of all our customers)

We will be serving hot food.

Pitches are set up strictly with 2 metres between each one
2 metre markers will be set out at the bar
Toilets will be monitored to ensure only one person at any one time and subject to strict sanitising procedures on a regular basis throughout the day
Hand sanitiser will be available and extra measures will be taken to ensure everyone’s safety

Friday 2-8pm
Saturday & Sunday 1-9pm

Over 18’s

Message The Welfare Facebook page to book your al fresco pitch now or 01495 302995!

Those who have opted to collect your face coverings can do so from the Snack Bar at the rugby Ground with opening times as follows.

Tuesday to Friday 9am until 2pm
Saturday 9am until 12 noon.

If you have not made payment via Bacs, payment by cheque to Steelmen Rugby or cash on collection is advised.

Tonight (Friday) we look back at the play off finals run in for the 2016 season! First up it’s the last game of the regular season at home to Aberavon RFC with the winners guaranteed a play off semi-final spot!
Viewers are asked to make a small donation to our charity fundraising for Hospice Of The Valleys via the following link https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-the-steelmen-hospice-of-the-valleys

🗓️ Friday 31 July
⏰ 7:30pm
📍 Safe, at home
🎥 @Facebook Live

As many of you would have seen in the last 48 hours the WRU have cancelled all tickets for the postponed 6 Nations match with Scotland.

The club would ask that you confirm via email address, International-tickets@evrfc.co.uk, the tickets you received, which option you would like to take and how you would lime to be refunded, Bank Transfer or Cash. The club will process all refunds as soon as is possible

Option 1 – 100% Refund
Option 2 – 100% Donation to Ebbw Vale RFC of the Ticket money
Option 3 – A % of ticket money as a donation to Ebbw Vale RFC and the balance returned to you

Unfortunately Sam was dealt a blow this month after suddenly becoming unwell and being admitted into hospital. It was then discovered Sam had leukaemia. Ebbw Vale RFC send Sam and the family our best wishes.

You can support Sam by making a donation here https://www.leukaemiauk.org.uk/Fundraisers/whiteheads-youth-rfc-support-for-sam

Ebbw Vale supporters can now purchase reusable branded face coverings so you can stay safe as lockdown measures ease across Wales.

Following on from a number of requests from fans we are working with VX3, we are delighted to announce the new coverings are available to pre-order NOW for £6.

The face covers are available in adult and juniors sizes and are washable, reusable, provide a large covering and are triple layer in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for non medical masks.

The latest advice from the Welsh Government, based on updated guidance from the WHO, is to wear face coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport. For more information from the Welsh Government click https://gov.wales/3-layer-face-coverings-recommended-not-mandatory-certain-situations-wales

Our new Ebbw Vale RFC face coverings will take around 3-4 weeks turn around, if you require postage you will need to say so in the email, provide address and also postage will be an additional cost on top of the mask price. Postage is £1.50.

Please note: All of our face coverings are for personal use. They are not suitable for hospital / medical use and therefore do not take away from NHS supplies. They are NOT medical grade masks or personal protective equipment (PPE). For more information please click https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

To order and purchase your Ebbw Vale RFC Face Covering email marketing@evrfc.co.uk by Monday 22nd June 3pm.

Mr Elvet Williams

It is with great sadness that the the club has learned of the death of Elvet Williams, father of long serving former hooker Mathew “Chunky” Williams. Elvet was a familiar face to all at the club as he followed his son’s career at the Steelmen at both home and away fixtures, and was well liked and respected by everyone. Elvet was always happy to chat over a pre- and post-match drink, clearly enjoying the performance of his son and team mates as well as the atmosphere in the clubhouse.

Our thoughts are with Mathew and his family at this sad time.

Volunteers generously give their time and dedication to make the club run smoothly across every aspect of its activities. As we have entered National Volunteer Week, the club wishes to thank all of the volunteers that make everything possible for all our players to take the field. From the tiny under 7’s, to the players at the height of The Indigo Premiership, the support given by our volunteers is invaluable. While we have been without any rugby for such a long time now, when the time comes to start again our volunteers will be a big part of it.

Club Chair Jon Jones said, “The sport of rugby in Wales has always been and will continue to be highly dependent on an army of volunteers who perform a multitude of tasks that allow the on field action to take place. These range from manning gates, serving food, managing kit, cleaning changing rooms, serving food and providing the skills that manage finances and social media. In essence, there are roles available to everyone and the satisfaction of contributing to your sporting community and developing a wider social network is a great reward for your efforts in contributing to a key part of the fabric of our communities.

Every club will welcome more volunteers, and the one positive to come out of the Covid pandemic, is the number of volunteers who have leapt into action to assist those in need of help. We salute those volunteers and those active in all volunteer roles throughout the country in National Volunteer Week and would urge people to get involved with your communities’ rugby club to allow the positive benefits that sport brings to be a key part of the future of our communities.”

Mini & Juniors Chair, John Prendergast, said, “This week, we enter National Volunteers Week and the management of the Ebbw Vale Steelers Mini and Juniors section would like to take this opportunity to convey its thanks to the army of volunteers who commit time each week for the development and participation of children within rugby across our structure.

 Weather is not the kindest in Blaenau Gwent, but each week our volunteers endeavour to give time to the cause, on the sometimes wet, sometimes frozen and occasionally perfect playing fields of North Gwent. Many of the roles are front line, such as coaches, coach assistants, refereeing and first aiders; however, other roles are more administrative, whether that is team management, organising fixtures, financial management or more. Volunteers’ time is needed for a wide variety of functions.

Without volunteers, rugby activity cannot go ahead and it is with great pride we celebrate the input of these hardy souls. A club can never have enough volunteers, and as we develop we are always looking for more help. If you think you can help in anyway, contact the club and we can discuss where you can support. It is highly rewarding seeing our players develop from U7 through to U16 pathway. You can help develop the next Rhys Jones or Joe Franchi!”

As part of our fundraising for Hospice Of The Valleys and the club we have launched a charity T-shirt and vest to help raise vital funds for such a great local cause that does so much amazing work in the community close to the club. Teaming up with club kit partners AKUMA these once in a lifetime items are a must to have for this summer as well as supporting a local charity.

To order your charity club t-shirt or vest please contact marketing@evrfc.co.uk.

Orders will be going in on a weekly basis and will have a minimum 3 week turn around due to the current Covid-19 situation.

T- Shirt £18.50 (available in red, green or white)

Vest £30

Adults’ sizes:
S 38” Chest
M 40”
L 42”
XL 44”
2XL 46”
3XL 48”
4XL 50”
5XL 52”

Children’s sizes:
Baby 19”
Infant 21”
XSC 24″
Child 25”
JNR 27”
XSB 29”
SB 31”
MB 33”
LB 35″

Ebbw Vale RFC can confirm that the following 2 players are leaving the Steelmen for pastures new and all at the club would like to thank them for their excellent service and wish them all the best for the future.

Scrum Half Dai Jones leaves the Steelmen after 10 seasons with only the brief interruption of a short stay at Bedwas during this period. Dai was signed by Neil Edwards and was a key man in the winning of two Division 1 titles and two Championship titles, as well as being an active member of the squad that returned to the Premiership. Dai will be missed within the squad and the Ebbw Addicts due to his approachability and character. At this point, he has not made a decision around his future rugby career.

The second departure is that of Dai Langdon who has played at 10 and 12 for the club with great distinction. He returned to the Steelmen, who he’d represented as an 18 year old Dragons Academy player, from Neath RFC where he had spent a number of seasons. Dai was the outside half who in fierce competition for the number 10 shirt guided Ebbw Vale to success in the title winning 2016 Premiership campaign. Dai will be returning to Neath RFC as they look to put pressure on last year’s Championship front runners Pontypool and Bargoed and will add his undoubted skills and experience to the Gnoll. Dai is another who has been very popular within the squad and amongst the Ebbw Addicts and we wish him the best of luck in guiding Neath in their title challenge.

The other updates at this point are as follows:

Scrum half Sam Ireland, after sustaining a nasty concussion playing as a centre replacement in the heavy defeat in the National Cup tie at Cardiff in early November, is making progress and for the first time has been able to increase his training workload over the last 6 weeks. Sam will join the squad whenever pre season training starts and will be assessed by the club’s medical team through the training period to ensure it is safe for him to return to Indigo Premiership rugby. All at the club will be pleaseD to see this skilful and likeable player successfully return to rugby.

Head Coach Greg Woods has started tentative discussions with the Dragons Academy, so He and his coaching team have an outline of the likely available players from our Regional partners. Once the the current Covid restrictions are lifted, and all are back in their roles, the discussions will be advanced further.

The Steelmen recruitment team still have an eye on players becoming available and may add to the current squad should the correct quality of player become available. There is also a group of 8/10 young players who have been invited to pre season training by the coaching group and we are looking forward to welcoming them to the club as soon as it is safe and appropriate.

Support The Steelmen & Hospice Of The Valleys

“During the crisis caused by the Covid 19 Global Pandemic the work of the key workers within the country led by the NHS has been outstanding in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Many people have raised significant sums of money including Captain Sir Tom Moore who raised over £30m for the NHS. Along with businesses the charitable sector has seen significant losses to their income with events cancelled and the closure of their retail fund raising arms. The officials at Ebbw Vale RFC have considered how we can help in some way and we believe that as a club that owes its excellent home facility to a Miners‘ Welfare Trust we should look to support a local charity.

We are delighted to launch a fundraising partnership with Hospice of the Valleys whose main facilities are a mile away from our Eugene Cross Park home. The Hospice has been a strong and welcome presence in the community of Blaenau Gwent for a number of years providing a fantastic service to those affected by cancer and dementia. Many within the club have faced the difficulties caused by the these all too prevalent illnesses and as a club we have taken part in fund raising for the Hospice for a number of years. Their work within our community underpins the work of the NHS in these areas and is extremely important in providing a level of care that all within our fantastic community deserve and we want to play a part in ensuring that the this wonderful and needed work continues as strongly as it has for many years to come.”

Jonathan Jones
Chairman Ebbw Vale RFC

“As proud ambassador of Hospice of the Valleys, I’m very happy to be supporting Ebbw Vale RFC in their joint venture with the Hospice in raising vital funds for both organisations. The amazing staff at the Hospice provide vital care and support for people in our community with life limiting illness. Throughout this current global crisis, the Hospice has continued to provide the exceptional services to those in greatest need.

As a former Ebbw vale player, it’s a privilege to be supporting a genuine community club, with a rich history in Welsh rugby and strong cultural values. These unprecedented times are certainly a challenge for us all. However, I believe it’s also a time that brings out the best in people. An opportunity for us as individuals to shine, by giving back to our community.

Theses times will pass, we will shake hands, hug and have a drink together again. So, until then will you please support these two great organisations in whatever way possible? As always, we are so grateful for your support and friendship.

Stay safe & well.”

Byron Hayward

“It’s fantastic to see that as a club we have partnered with such a worthy charity “Hospice of the Valleys” for the forthcoming 2020/21 season. I know that it is a charity that is close to so many people who are associated with the club and the town itself. Hopefully this association will bring increased awareness and funds to the charity over the year. As a playing and management group we are looking forward to getting involved and helping out as much as we can and I am sure you will agree it is a great choice and worthy cause.”

Greg Woods
Ebbw Vale RFC
Head Coach

“Our Hospice of the Valleys team are working alongside our NHS colleagues in the community providing support wherever it is needed, be it in a patientKs home, in hospital or in one of the fourteen local care homes. Our amazing Hospice at Home team are helping to protect the NHS by helping to avoid hospital admissions where we can, our team are truly on the frontline providing palliative care where our patients and those who matter most to them need us now more than ever before. The demand on our services has not gone away as we continue with our day to day support and also deal with Covid-19 on top of this. We need the support of the local community to help us raise vital funds and continue being there for our patients and their families.

We must say a huge thank you to Ebbw Vale RFC who have chosen to support the Hospice at this challenging time, we know our Hospice means so much to the club, its players, supporters and community as a whole who have really taken the Hospice to their hearts. We also hope that this fantastic initiative receives the support it deserves which will of course benefit the Club and Hospice in helping to secure the futures for us both.”

Julie Williams, Business & Community Fundraising Manager, Hospice of the Valleys

About The Hospice

Hospice of the Valleys provides specialist palliative care to the people of Blaenau Gwent. We work with people who have a life limiting condition such as heart failure, COPD and cancer. Specialist Palliative Care can help patients and their families with physical, emotional, social and financial problems that are difficult to control. We can help to plan ahead, provide support at the end of life and through bereavement. Patients may only need care from the Hospice for a short time and can be discharged from us if their symptoms are controlled. We also have a designated service for patients with dementia and their carers called CARIAD (Care and Respect in Advanced Dementia).

Our team is made up of professionals who have all had additional training and experience in palliative care. The team provides care for patients:
· at home;
· in their regular place of residence including nursing homes, Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan or Ysbyty Tri Chwm; and,
· at our out-patient clinic in the Hospice in Ebbw Vale.

To help us raise money towards the Hospice Of The Valleys and club we are offering supporters the opportunity to ‘pre-order’ a certain number of Ebbw Vale RFC packages and experiences.

Please support this initiative in any way you can by clicking the following link to purchase:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-the-steelmen-hospice-of-the-valleys

Ebbw Vale RFC Chairman Jon Jones is delighted to confirm that Gareth Howells and Red Dragon Sports Management will continue to work with Ebbw Vale RFC after initial success last season. Gareth will provide additional services in the management and development of Social Media content across all official club channels. This role will enhance the work of Gareth and Red Dragon Sports Management in the key areas of Sponsorship and Marketing.
Jon said, “With working together last season being successful, we as a club were keen to build on the relationship with Gareth and Red Dragon Sports Management and look forward to continued success in the coming seasons.”

Gareth Howells director of Red Dragon Sports Marketing commented, “I am delighted and honoured to be working in partnership with Ebbw Vale RFC.  After working at Premiership and Regional level in commercial positions I have expert knowledge on advising clubs, teams and individuals on their sponsorship and marketing.  I know how difficult it is at premiership level to gain sponsors and how vital it is to look after sponsors.

I was approached by club chairman Jonathan Jones to gain new commercial partners for the club and increase new packages to sell as well as advise on the marketing strategy.

The new packages will focus on increasing commercial revenue and give a clear strategic direction to help steer sponsorship strategy, action and measurement.

We will aim to work more with the community, schools and local businesses and, whilst we understand the tough times people and businesses are going through with Covid-19, we need to plan for the near future and be ready for when the first ball is kicked.

To do this we are looking to attract local and national companies who we can introduce to a passionate club and supporter base who are going to do all they can to succeed in the league this coming season with the Ebbw Addict fans behind the side.

The club has numerous packages available, please get in touch if you wish to promote your business alongside Ebbw Vale RFC ‘ The Steelmen’ please contact marketing@evrfc.co.uk 

Missing your dose of the Steelmen. Have a look at this compilation from last season.