Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Ebbw Vale is delighted to announce the signing of Kieran Meek who can play at 10 or 12 from Newport RFC.
On signing for Ebbw Vale Kieran had the following to say;
I am over the moon to join the club, it is a great opportunity for me to work along side Jason Strange and the Ebbw Vale coaches. Having so many friends at the club made it an easy decision and the welcome I have had makes me feel really exited to get started and prove my worth in the team.
HEIGHT – 5ft 10
Weight – 14st
Previous clubs – Newport, Pontypool, Bedwas, Newbridge
Honours – Crawshays
Ebbw Goes West
Ebbw head to the Talbot Athletic ground in search of a win against a high-flying Aberavon team.
Reflecting on last week’s 22 – 9 win over Swansea, coach Jason strange said defensively it was another excellent performance and our set piece continues to improve. It`s becoming a real strength for the team. It was great to win with four tries and a bonus point against a Swansea team which has started this season well.
Looking forward to the game at league leaders Aberavon, Jason added, a big focus for us going into the game is sustaining pressure for longer periods, we have started the season well with three wins and three narrow losses in the closing minutes of games. The next development for the group is to win these tight matches.
Aberavon are a team which has been together for a long time and are very established as a squad with lots of talent and depth. Head coach Jason Hyatt has been coach for a number of year`s resulting in them having a lot of experiences together. He has done a very good job in building the club and has lots of depth in their squad and familiarity.
Commenting on Ebbw`s start to the season Jason added considering the number of new players brought into our squad, it`s been a very good start, with lots to build upon for the remainder of the season. The players commitment towards the club and each other has been excellent, we know what sort of club we want to be and the players and supporters are connecting which is great.
Friday is another opportunity to show this against a very good club. Both teams are playing well and it should be a very competitive game.
By Alex Kinsella Evans
Ebbw Vale is delighted to announce the signing of experienced second row Joe Bartlett. Joe is returning to Ebbw Vale and will join his younger brother Dylan in the Steelmen colours.
On signing for Ebbw Vale Joe had the following to say;
I am glad to be retuning to Ebbw Vale after a few seasons away. After speaking with Jason and John it was an easy decision for me to come back to Ebbw Vale.
The help Ebbw Vale have provided with my recovery from my injury and goals the team have for this season as well as future seasons was really something I wanted to be a part of. There is definitely a fresh feeling in the team and theres a good balance and hopefully I can help. Personally for me my goals in the next few weeks are to get fit and put myself up for selection and help the team achieve its goals that have been set.
Joe has represented the Dragons at U18-U20 level as well as playing for Newport RFC and St Patricks in Australia.
Joseph Bartlett
27-05-93
Second row
6ft 6
120kg
Match report Ebbw Vale RFC 22 v Swansea RFC 9
Ebbw take the spoils
The Ebbw Vale forwards lay the platform for a bonus point victory in what was a niggly game.
Two early penalties by Swansea full back Cai Evans, saw the away side take a 6-0 lead.
From a scrum Swansea won a penalty and tried to go quickly but Ebbw stopped them in their tracks and won a penalty from a contest at the ruck. There was a powerful line break from Ebbw Vale’s Evan Lloyd resulting in a scrum, from which the home side won a penalty. The resulting penalty was kicked to the corner, which Swansea won a free kick at the lineout.
The home side’s winger Carrick McDonough scored the opening try which all started when outside half Lloyd passed to captain Rhys Francis, who ran down the wing and drew the opposition fullback in for McDonough to score. Lloyd missed the conversion.
Straight from the kick off Swansea won a penalty on the halfway line and fullback Evans converted to make it 9-5 to the away side.
The home side conceded a penalty when second row Curtis Gregory received a yellow card for a late tackle on the Swansea scrum half Gareth J Rees on the away side’s 22.
A burst up field by the home side’s centre Dominic Franchi led to fellow centre Amir Jiwa Wadji only being stopped from scoring a try by opposite number Hanno Dirksen’s high tackle. The away side centre received a yellow card due to this.
From the resulting penalty, the home side number 10 sent the ball inside the Swansea 22. From the lineout the Ebbw forwards provided a rolling maul which ending in captain Francis going over the line. Lloyd sending the conversion wide. Swansea went down to 13 men when prop Ellis Fackrell also received a yellow carded for an offside in the build up to the try.
With the home side forwards on top, Swansea received a further yellow card to replacement hooker Garan Williams for a dangerous tackle.
HT: Ebbw Vale 10-9 Swansea
At the start of the second half, Swansea kick the ball to Ebbw`s fullback Haydn Simons who has time to look up and kick down field into the Swansea 22, with the phase of play coming to nothing.
From a scrum to Swansea inside the home side’s half, the referee awarded a penalty to the away side, which fullback Evans sent wide of the posts.
A superb 50-22 kick by Ebbw`s outside half Lloyd saw the home side have a lineout in the oppositions 22. From the lineout, the Ebbw pack showed their strength with Chad Thomas crashing over the try line. Flyhalf Lloyd added the two points.
Ebbw replacement and former Swansea player Jordan Prichard was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle. The penalty came to nothing.
A superb late midfield break by replacement Ethan Phillips saw him draw the fullback in and sends winger McDonough in for his second try of the match. Lloyd missed the extras.
FT: Ebbw Vale 22- 9 Swansea
Ebbw Vale’s Man Of The Match sponsored by Spirit Of Wales Distillery: Chad Thomas
Report by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Gallery https://www.evrfc.co.uk/gallery/ebbw-vale-v-swansea-gallery/
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Swansea
The Ebbw Vale side to take on Swansea in the Indigo Welsh premiership this Saturday at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium, 2:30pm is as follows
Let’s have lots of home support at the game which will also see a number of former players in attendance so let’s shout on the Steelmen!
Buy tickets in advance https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/29th-october-swansea/
TEAM
15 Haydn Simons
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Amir Jiwa Walji
12 Dom Franchi
11 Ryan Davies
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Jonathan Evans
1 Luke Garrett
2 Rhys Francis (c)
3 Harry Drane
4 Dylan Bartlett
5 Curtis Gregory
6 Chad Thomas
7 Lewis Young
8 Gethin Williams
Replacements
16 Joe Franchi
17 Joel Harries
18 Jordan Pritchard
19 Morgan Thomas
20 Lewis Kinsella
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Ethan Phillips
23 Morgan Richards
We still have some tickets left for this Saturdays fixture against New Zealand. Please send an email to me at marketing@evrfc.co.uk to purchase the tickets
U31
Row 19
Seat 26
£95
U31
Row 19
Seat 25
£95
U18
Row 4
Seat 4
£85
U18
Row 4
Seat 3
£85
U18
Row 4
Seat 2
£85
U18
Row 4
Seat 1
£85
L33
Row 2
Seat 23
£70
L33
Row 1
Seat 23
£70
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Bridgend
The Ebbw Vale side to take on Bridgend in the Indigo Welsh premiership this Saturday at the Dunraven Brewery Field, 2:30pm is as follows
TEAM
15 Morgan Richards
14 Ryan Davies
13 Ethan Phillips
12 Dom Franchi
11 Carrick McDonough
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Matthew Flanagan
1 Luke Garrett
2 Joe Franchi (c)
3 Adam Court
4 Dylan Bartlett
5 Curtis Gregory
6 Chad Thomas
7 Joe Thomas
8 Lewis Young
Replacements
16 Rhys Francis
17 Joel Harris
18 Harry Drane
19 Jakub Maleki
20 Gethin Williams
21 Jonathan Evans
22 Haydn Simons
23 Amir Jiwa Wadji
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Llandovery
The Ebbw Vale side to take on Llandovery in the Indigo Welsh premiership this Thursday evening at Ciner Glass Community Stadium 7:30pm is as follows.
Let’s have a big Ebbw crowd there shouting on the Steelmen
If you cannot make the game you can watch it on S4C through the following link https://www.s4c.cymru/en/sport/indigo-prem/page/52550/indigo-prem/
Match day tickets https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/6th-october-llandovery/
TEAM
15 Morgan Richards
14 Ryan Davies
13 Ethan Phillips
12 Dom Franchi
11 Carrick McDonough
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Jonathan Evans
1 Joel Harries
2 Rhys Francis ©
3 Dave Whiting
4 Dylan Bartlett
5 Curtis Gregory
6 Lewis Young
7 Joe Thomas
8 Gethin Williams
16 Mikhail Blake
17 Charley Kearns
18 Adam Court
19 Chad Thomas
20 Morgan Thomas
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Haydn Simons
23 Amir Jiwa Walji
Ebbw Vale RFC Former Players Lunch
Calling all former players
On Saturday October 29th for our fixture against Swansea we will be hosting a former players lunch, this is open to all former players and coaches. It is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with past team mates, supporters and friends.
Enjoy a one course pre match lunch followed by guest speaker, club favourite and dual code Welsh International Lenny Woodard.
The cost to attend is just £15 per person and to book your place contact Gareth Howells on marketing@evrfc.co.uk or mobile 07974873683
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Cardiff Away
The Ebbw Vale side to take on Cardiff in the Indigo Welsh premiership this Saturday, October 1st at Cardiff Arms Park, 2:30pm is as follows.
We are calling on all Ebbw supporters to make the trip to the Arms Park and shout on the Steelmen.
Transport on Saturday is affected due to industrial action, but trains are running from Rhymney but please double check transport plans.
#STEELMEN
15 Morgan Richards
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Dom Franchi
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Jordan Thomas
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Jonathan Evans
1 Luke Garrett
2 Rhys Francis (c)
3 Adam Court
4 Dylan Bartlett
5 Curtis Gregory
6 Andrew Mann
7 Joe Thomas
8 Lewis young
Replacements
16 Mikhail Blake
17 Lewis Kinsella
18 Dave Whiting
19 Morgan Thomas
20 Gethin Williams
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Amir Jiwa Wadji
23 Ryan Davies
Volunteers Needed
We are currently reaching out for new volunteers to help on match days at the club. There are a number of roles available as the club relies on volunteers to do a number of things on match days such as man the gates, stewarding and more.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Bob Craft on 07561547666
Thank You
We would like to thank the following volunteers and sponsors for their hard work in refurbishing the home changing rooms during the off season. They look fantastic and have gone down are storm with the players and coaching staff and Jason and all the players would like to say a massive thank you!
We would like to thank the following people and sponsors without them we wouldn’t have been able to do this.
Rob Sillman
Angharad and Wilf Simpson
Tracey Meyrick
Malcolm Ruffin
Ashley Margetson
Hayley Murphy from Rexel UK, Ebbw Vale
Hughes Forest Builders Merchants
Danielle from Philip Jones Timber Products Ltd
Ethan Phillips for his work on our lighting system
Ioan Lane for Upholstery of the seats
Dilwyn Snelgrove for tiling the floor
Sally Ann Evans from Limeface graphics
Congratulations Rhys Francis!
Rhys Francis make’s his 100th appearance for the Steelmen this Saturday, congratulations Rhys on such a fantastic achievement from all at Ebbw Vale RFC.
Rhys said on his 100th appearance;
It’s a privilege and honour each and every time I can pull on the Ebbw Vale jersey. Saturday will have an added meaning to it personally, but our focus will always be on getting the win and putting in a performance for the addicts!
Ebbw Vale Side To Play RGC1404
The Ebbw Vale side to take on RGC1404 in the Indigo Welsh premiership this Saturday at CiNER Glass Community Stadium, 2:30pm is as follows.
Rhys Francis will captain the side making his 100th appearance for the Steelmen this Saturday, congratulations Rhys on such a fantastic achievement from all at Ebbw Vale RFC.
Buy match tickets here in advance https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/24th-september-rgc1404/
15 Morgan Richards
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Ethan Phillips
12 Dom Franchi
11 Jordan Thomas
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Jon Evans
8 Gethin Williams
7 Joe Thomas
6 Lewis Young
5 Curtis Gregory
4 Dylan Bartlett
3 Adam Court
2 Rhys Francis (c)
1 Luke Garrett
16 Mikhail Blake
17 Lewis Kinsella
18 Dave Whiting
19 Chad Thomas
20 James Skene
21 Sam Ireland
22 Amir Jiwa Wadji
23 Ryan Davies
Congratulations Lewis Young!
Lewis Young will make his 100th appearance for the Steelmen this Saturday, congratulations Lewis on such a fantastic acheivement from all at Ebbw Vale RFC. Here is too another 100!
Lewis said on his 100th appearance;
To even be asked to come to a team like Ebbw Vale to play is a huge honour, but to reach 100 games is one of my greatest achievement in rugby. There’s been a lot of ups and downs along the way and there’s a lot of people to thank. If the body can hold out hopeful for another 100 appearances in this famous jersey.
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Carmarthen Quins
The Ebbw Vale side to take on Carmarthen Quins in the Welsh Cup this Saturday at CiNER Glass Community Stadium, 2:30pm kick off is as follows.
Lewis Young will make his 100th appearance for the Steelmen this Saturday, congratulations Lewis on such a fantastic acheivement from all at Ebbw Vale RFC. Here is too another 100!
Match Entry
Non Season Ticket Holders
Adults £12
Concessions £10
Season ticket holders on production of a valid 2022/23 season ticket.
Adults £8
Concessions £5
Vice Presidents, Gold and Platinum members have free entry as it forms part of your membership.
The Team
15 Morgan Richards
14 Jordan Thomas
13 Amir Jiwa Wadji
12 Dom Franchi
11 Carrick McDonough
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Jon Evans
8 Gethin Williams
7 Joe Thomas
6 Lewis Young
5 Andrew Mann
4 Dylan Bartlett
3 Adam Court
2 Joe Franchi
1 Luke Garrett
16 Rhys Francis
17 Lewis Kinsella
18 Jordan Pritchard
19 Morgan Thomas
20 Jakub Małecki
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Haydn Simons
23 Ryan Davies
The officials of the club are aware of comments relating to EVRFC which have recently been posted on social media by an former season ticket holder at EVRFC.
This is a private matter between EVRFC and the individual concerned, and not to cause any embarrassment to the individual, we will not be making and comment or responding publicly. Excluding someone from our facilities is not a step we take lightly and considerable care has been taken in making the decision. If anyone has any concerns or questions, please contact the club directly.
Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signing of back row James Skene who joins us from Rumney RFC
On joining Ebbw James said; I am extremely pleased to have signed with Ebbw Vale due to it being such a prestigious club with a great history. I have enjoyed being part of everything that we have been building on during pre-season and looking forward to what promises to be an exciting season ahead
Previous Clubs: Rumney RFC
Height: 183cm
Weight: 102kg
Position: Back Row
Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signing of back row Gethin Williams who joins us from Gwernyfed RFC.
On joining Ebbw Gethin said; It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to be part of the Steelmen and I am excited about helping this historic club with all of its ambitions in the future. A community and fan base as incredible as Ebbw’s is an honour to represent.
Previous Clubs: Gwernyfed RFC, Cardiff Met
Height: 6ft 3
Weight: 110kg
Position: Back Row
The Steelmen Upgrade to Carbon Fibre to Increase Performance!
Ebbw Vale RFC and leading sports performance video mast tripod supplier, Vantage Point Products, are excited to announce a unique 3 year partnership starting in the 2022 training season.
Vantage Point Products sports video mast tripod provides us with a proven solution for training and matches. We are constantly trying to professionalise our environment and improve our players development. This fantastic product gives us the confidence we have everything covered to provide accurate feedback and learning at all times.
Jason Strange, Head Coach Ebbw Vale RFC
Vantage Point Products design, manufacture, retail and consult to provide safe, stable and highly portable, specialist tall carbon fibre mast tripods for various applications – including elevated sports video capture for performance analysis.
Now Ebbw Vale have wisely invested in this cutting edge technology, in imitation of the leading performance analysts at the Wales national and regional teams within the WRU, who have already enjoyed working with Vantage Point Products for more than 6 years. Our products have travelled the world, and been used for training for several Six Nations Championships and even the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
Vantage Point Products are proud to support Ebbw Vale RFC’s goals to increase measurable positive results in their sport over time. By using our 20ft carbon fibre mast tripod, their coaching and analysis team will now be able to capture elevated video of the players’ performance – during training sessions and matches, whether at home or away – to better analyse player movements, spacing and accuracy. And because our mast can used without its tripod (becoming a tall monopod) it can easily be angled over scrum formations for top down analysis!
Keep watching for website and social media updates from Ebbw Vale where their coaching and analysis team will regularly post unique ‘behind the scenes’ content demonstrating their use of this helpful technology.
Not only will supporters of Ebbw Vale RFC enjoy seeing how hard their team works to perform, but so will any sports science students, coaches and analysts who want to see what Vantage Point Products can offer them.
Vantage Point Products’ professional grade carbon fibre masts and tripods are:
- Fast to set up in less than 5 minutes and easy to operate by one person
- Very strong and stable at height, with models from 16ft, 20ft, 30ft and even 40ft tall
- Ultra-light and portable, all weighing less than 6kg in total
- Easily transported in small vehicles and airplane holds
- Uniquely operable with or with tripod support – an all-weather system
- Compatible with wired or wireless remote controllable camcorders, PTZ cameras, action and 360 / VR cameras.
Contact details
www.vantagepointproducts.com
help@vantagepointproducts.com
+44 (0) 23 8098 2366
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/vantage-point-products-sports-video-masts-and-tripods/
Welsh rugby fixtures resume
The Welsh Rugby Union expects clubs across Wales to resume scheduled matches and rugby activities from the 12th of September (any matches scheduled for 19 September, the day of the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen, should be rearranged).
The WRU is grateful for the respect shown by the rugby community in Wales over the weekend (9th-11th September) and suggests that where teams are playing for the first time since the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, that two minutes’ silence is observed and black armbands are worn during this period of National Mourning.
International Ticket Applications
Applications are now open for International Tickets for the autumn internationals and Six Nations 2023.
Applications need to be completed on the attached spreadsheet and returned to the club by Friday 23rd September and emailed to international-tickets@evrfc.co.uk
Wayne Pivac’s men will host the following autumn fixtures and then go into the 2023 Six Nations.
Autumn Internationals 2022
New Zealand 05/11/2022 15:15pm
Argentina 12/11/2022 17:30pm
Georgia 19/11/2022 13:00pm
Australia 26/11/2022 15:!5pm
Six Nations 2023
Ireland 04/02/2023 14:15pm
Scotland 11/02/2023 16:45pm
England 25/02/2023 16:45pm
Italy 11/03/2023 14:15pm
France 18/03/2023 14:45pm
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.