Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
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.
Pontypool RFC will be holding a swabbing event for full-back Ethan Davies this Saturday, 10th September between 12.30-2.30pm
You can also receive a swab kit at home by registering here Rugby player Ethan needs your help tackling blood cancer | DKMS
Both give people the opportunity to join the global blood stem cell register and help patients all over the world to fight blood cancer.
#bloodcancerawarenessmonth #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth
WMDA: Company Page Admin | LinkedIn
Eden Nursery is proud to sponsor Ebbw Vale Rugby Club.
We are delighted to welcome Eden Nursery as a sponsor of Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2022/23 season, the Eden Nursery logo will be promoted on the back of the Ebbw Vale RFC match and replica shirts. We would like to thank Eden Nursery for their support.
About Eden Nursery
Our beautiful nursery is located next to the Eden play centre so conveniently located just off the A467 which also hosts the Eden Education Centre that specialises in education using LEGO. We provide the very best care and wonderful learning experiences from 6 months to pre-school with wraparound options to local schools.
We also provide a school holiday club for ages 6-11.
For more information see www.theedennursery.co.uk
…for every child to flourish!
Ticketing update for next year’s Guinness Six Nations away fixture against Italy at the Stadio Olympico in Rome on Saturday 11thMarch 2023.It has been confirmed by the FIR as the host Union that they require the full name of each ticket holder, which will be checked against ID / passport on entry to the Stadium. As a result, providing Clubs with an allocation for this fixture would result in significant levels of administrative time for club ticket secretaries in addition to the sharing of personal data between Clubs, WRU and FIR.As a result, tickets can be purchased directly from the FIR either by members. Tickets are now on general sale for this fixture by using the link below and a number of ticket prices remain available at this time.When purchasing tickets via this link, there is a purchase limit of 4 tickets per transaction. If the member wishes to make a group booking of 10 or more tickets, please contact the FIR Ticket Office via email atufficiogruppi@federugby.it.The club would prefer for supporters make their own direct purchases, but will assist with any difficulties caused
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Newport
Your Ebbw Vale side to take on Newport in the Gwent derby at Spytty Park this Saturday, 2:30pm kick off is as follows.
15 Morgan Richards
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Amir Jiwa Wadji
12 Dom Franchi
11 Jordan Thomas
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Jon Evans
8 Gethin Williams
7 Joe Thomas
6 Lewis Young
5 Dylan Bartlett
4 Andrew Mann
3 Adam Court
2 Joe Franchi
1 Lewis Kinsella
16 Alex Watkins
17 Luke Garrett
18 Jordan Pritchard
19 Morgan Thomas
20 Chad Thomas
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Haydn Simons
23 Lewis Bates
We are delighted to announce that Joe Franchi and Rhys Francis will be co captains of the Steelmen for the 2022/23 Indigo Group Welsh Premiership season.
Speaking on the announcement head coach Jason Strange had this to say.
Co captains signals a fresh approach with a new look squad this season at the club .
“First of all, both Joe and Rhys have always showed high levels of consistency in the way they prepare and represent the club. Both are outstanding club men, from the Ebbw Vale area and have a huge amount of respect from the players, coaches and supporters .
They symbolise the character and values of what we expect from a Ebbw Vale player. They work extremely hard and their off-field activities are aligned with what we expect from all the players “
Jason Strange
It’s a great honour and privilege to be asked to co-captain Ebbw Vale. Having been led by several great Ebbw captains hopefully I can draw inspiration from them and help the club get back to competing at the top of the premiership. We have an exciting young squad so I’m looking forward to challenge ahead and also hearing plenty of noise from the addicts on a Saturday afternoon!
Rhys Francis
It’s a massive honour to be named captain of Ebbw Vale again. I just hope I can spend more time leading by example this year. I will feel extremely privileged to lead the boys out against Newport on Saturday to kick the season off.
Joe Franchi
Joe also had this to say on Saturday’s big opening fixture against Newport.
We all understand the importance of the game on Saturday. There are so many elements you can talk about with regard’s to this fixture that make it something special. Whether it’s the history, supporters, Gwent bragging rights or getting momentum for the league. It’s going to be a great occasion and I’m looking forward to going to the well on Saturday.
It is with great sadness that the club has learned of the sad death of long term Ebbw supporter and dad to former club photographer Neil Roberts.
Tony spent many years on the bank but lately sat in the back row of the stand.
He will be sadly missed and we will observe a minutes silence in his memory at our first home game.
Our thoughts are with Pat, Neil, David and families at this sad time.
Pre Match Hospitality With Nigel Davies & Byron Hayward
Join us on Saturday 17th September for our Prem Cup fixture against Carmarthen Quins where we will be running a pre match lunch with guest speakers Nigel Davies and Byron Hayward.
Arrival will be from 12:30 with food served at 1pm.
Prices
Season ticket holders £10
Non season ticket holders £20
To book email marketing@evrfc.co.uk or call Gareth Howells on 07974873683
Tickets are now available for Ebbw Vale RFC Ladies Day on Saturday 24th September supporting the RJ9 appeal.
The day will consist of:
- Ticket price is £10 per head
- Afternoon tea
- Prosecco on arrival
- Table magician
- Casino
- Rugby match (RGC1404)
- After match entertainment
- Music ‘til late
- Raffles
- Stalls
- Table quizzes
Please visit https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/ebbw-vale-rfc-ladies-day/ for Tickets 🎫
Ebbw Vale RFC Ladies Day 🥂
Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signing of hooker Alex Watkins who joins us from Pontypool.
On joining Ebbw Alex said; “I’m really looking forward to starting the season the competition in my place is really good and I am looking forward to the challenge. Pre-Season has been tough but enjoyable and we have worked real hard as a squad.
I started my rugby career at Blackwood at 18 then signed for Bargoed when we won the championship and then went to Newport for a season. I then joined pontypool for 6 seasons and now join the Steelmen.
Previous Clubs: Blackwood, Bargoed, Newport, Pontypool
Height: 6ft
Weight: 106kg
Position: Hooker
Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signing of second row Dylan Bartlett who joins us from Cardiff Met.
On joining Ebbw Dylan said; “I’m looking forward to making an impact in the Premiership, within a new-look Ebbw Vale RFC. The team has undergone a lot of change for this season, and the premiership won’t know what to expect. Over the next few seasons, I am sure we will grow from strength to strength and become a team to be reckoned with amongst the Prem.
Previous Clubs: Cardiff Met, Dragons Academy, Wales U19s & U20s
Height: 6ft 5
Weight: 115kg
Position: Second Row
Follow the new Indigo Group Premiership season on S4C with live matches from the first week to the last.
S4C’s Rygbi Indigo Prem will show matches from every round of the season, with coverage being shown online and on television. Lauren Jenkins will host Rygbi Indigo Prem, and she will be joined by a host of familiar rugby names throughout the season.
S4C’s coverage gets underway at Sardis Road on Saturday 3 September, with a live broadcast of the match between Pontypridd and reigning champions Cardiff. The match will be televised on S4C and shown online on S4C Clic, with kick off at 5.30pm. English match commentary will also be available.
On Thursday 8 September, the match between Swansea and Aberavon will be shown online on S4C Clic, S4C YouTube page and the S4C Chwaraeon Facebook Page, with kick off at 7.30pm.
Newport host Cardiff on Thursday 22 September, with the match being shown online from 7.30pm. A week later on Thursday 29 September, there will be live online coverage of Bridgend v Merthyr (7.30pm), while Ebbw Vale v Llandovery will be broadcast online on Thursday 6 October (7.30pm).
Lauren Jenkins said: “It’s a new Indigo Group Premiership season and it feels like a fresh start after the impact of the pandemic on the last few seasons. The clubs have all strengthened during the summer, and with the likes of Adam Warren, Dan Baker, Josh Lewis and Tavis Knoyle all joining the league, the quality will only improve.
“But as we saw last season, the level of entertainment on show is second to none, with so many high-scoring matches and fierce rivalries. That is what Welsh rugby is all about.”
Sue Butler, S4C Sports Commissioner, said: “The Indigo Group Premiership is the pinnacle of Welsh club rugby and is an important foundation of our national game. S4C is committed to showing Welsh sport across all of our platforms and we’re looking forward to some cracking Thursday night games.
Geraint John, Welsh Rugby Union Community Director, added: “Last year’s televised games proved a massive hit for players, coaches, match officials, fans and clubs alike and I’ve no doubt it will be similar again this season. To have this coverage across a number of channels can only be good for the game and the Indigo Premiership.”
Indigo Group Premiership 2022/23 – Live matches on S4C
Saturday 3 September – Pontypridd v Cardiff – KO 1730 – S4C and S4C Clic
Thursday 8 September – Swansea v Aberavon – KO 1930 – S4C Clic, Youtube, Facebook
Thursday 22 September – Newport v Cardiff – KO 1930 – S4C Clic, Youtube, Facebook
Thursday 29 September – Bridgend v Merthyr – KO 1930 – S4C Clic, Youtube, Facebook
Thursday 6 October – Ebbw Vale v Llandovery– KO 1930 – S4C Clic, Youtube, Facebook
Kit Launch & Supporters Q&A
On Wednesday 31st of August we will be launching the new 22/23 match kit in the clubhouse and also hosting a supporters Q&A where Jason and his coaching team will be outlining the plans ahead. Supporters will get a chance to see the new kit’s and also speak with current and new players and ask any questions you may have.
The event will start at 7pm in the clubhouse so we urge all supporters to arrive early to get their seats
Season Tickets
Due to the current economic climate we have decided that season tickets will remain the same price for the 2022/23 season!
Adult Season Ticket £125
Senior Citizen & Student Ticket £70
Vice President £250
Gold Vice President £440
Platinum Vice President £1000
Season tickets are now available to purchase online via the club’s website https://www.evrfc.co.uk/tickets/season-tickets/ you just select your ticket, fill out your details, choose to pay up front or monthly and then postage or collection. Postage is £5.
The new system still allows for monthly payments and you will still receive a credit card style ticket.
Current monthly payers need to take no action as their membership has carried over to the new season. Anyone currently paying a monthly will carry on. Those members will be issued tickets without the need to purchase new, just attend one of the collection evenings and pick up your ticket.
SEASON TICKET COLLECTION
These will be available to collect from Mark at the clubhouse between 6-8pm on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from August 23rd. You can also purchase your season ticket on the night if you don’t want to use the online system with cash but our preferred method is online as it makes it easier for the club.
MATCH DAY SEASON TICKET PROCESS
For those who purchased a season ticket last year, they now come with a QR code as well as a stripe. The QR code is to be scanned on all entry points to all Ebbw Vale home fixtures, this will provide us with an entry system that complies with health and safety regulations along with providing details on who is at the ground should an emergency take place.
On a match day you come to a game as normal, present your ticket at the gate and a member of our entry staff will just scan the QR code and in you go, it’s as simple as that.
Normal Match Day Prices Are:
Adult £12
Concession £8
U16’s Go Free
Time to get excited!
After a complete squad overhaul with over twenty new players and many changes off the field we are about to begin a new era as a club with our first pre season fixture against Neath, The Welsh All Blacks this Saturday kick off 2.30 pm.
Jason and the coaching team have been working hard during the off season to increase standards and instil a strong team ethos and positive culture.
The main priority has been to recruit a particular type of player who will fit in to the Ebbw Vale environment and be fully committed to the journey ahead.
They have signed players, many that are local who are young, talented and ambitious. Saturdays game will give the coaches an opportunity to observe the players in a competitive environment against a well coached and established Neath team.
We now call on the Ebbw Addicts to outnumber the Gnoll crowd and shout on the Steelmen this Saturday at 2:30pm