Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
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
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the continued support of MetPro Wales for the forthcoming 22/23 Indigo Welsh Premiership Season. We would like to thank MetPro for their support of the club over the years and cannot wait for you to join us at some of this seasons fixtures.
MetPro (Wales) are again proud to support and sponsor Ebbw Vale RFC for the new 2022-2023 season.
We as a company have supported Ebbw Vale Mini and Juniors over the years along with the new U18’s Youth Team and most recent the Premiership Senior side.
We take pride in helping where we can for grass roots rugby and can’t think of a better club to be partners with.
We look forward to watching and supporting the lads this season “On The Bank” and wish everyone at the club all the success for this coming season.
Feel The Steel!!
PRE-ORDER DEADLINE EXTENDED!
David Spear Driving The Steelmen Forward
We are delighted to announce that David Spear have extended and expanded their commercial sponsorship of Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2022/23 season. You will now see the Steelmen wizzing around the roads and to games in our lovely shiny new kit van and will also feature on the match shorts and warm up top.
” We are delighted as ever to continue and increase our sponsorship with Ebbw Vale RFC. We hope supplying a Kit Van will give the club more support for those crucial away games. Everyone at David Spear Commercials & Spear Vehicle Hire wish the club all the best for the up and coming season “.
Says Geraint Yeo, Director, Spear Vehicle Hire.
Check out an array of vehicles here https://www.david-spear.com/
Fatra UK Ltd Re-Sign With The Steelmen
Fatra UK Ltd are a leading supplier of flat roof waterproofing products and solutions. Operating through a network of trained and qualified roofing contractors, Fatra provide one of the most comprehensive flat roof waterproofing packages available in the industry backed by design services, costing advice, field support and training.
Based in Cardiff, Fatra UK Ltd was established in the early 1990’s and provide a comprehensive solution to both new build and refurbishment flat roofing projects.
We are delighted to once again have the continued support of Fatra UK Ltd especially in these difficult times, we would like to thank Matthew Shaw and the team at Fatra who have been a sponsor of the club for over seven years now.
You can find out more information here https://www.fatra.co.uk/
Feel the Steel with Spirit of Wales Distillery and Ebbw Vale Rugby Club
The team at Spirit of Wales Distillery is proud to announce their sponsorship with Ebbw Vale Rugby Club coming together as The Steelmen and the makers of commemorative Steeltown Welsh Spirits, creating the perfect partnership. Two local businesses working together to commemorate the steel towns of Wales with the nations favourite sport.
Steeltown is a range of commemorate Welsh spirits inspired by the people, steel and mining industries surrounding Newport, South Wales. During the time of the partnership, Ebbw Vale Rugby Club plan to produce their own Steeltown Welsh Rum, which will be stocked in the bar at their grounds in Blaenau Gwent, along with Spirit of Wales award-winning Dragon’s Breath Spiced Rum and Steeltown Vodka and Gins.
Spirit of Wales Distillery founder and CEO, Daniel Dyer commented “Excited to forge our partnership with Ebbw Vale RFC ‘The Steelmen’, it’s an exciting opportunity to support an exciting community led Rugby team with strong values that resonates with our company and personal values” Dyer added, “The new season should be an exciting one, and seeing the squad editions, I for one will be excited to see the younger team members flourish with their rugby careers”.
Ebbw Vale Rugby Football Club is a Welsh Rugby Union Club based in the town of Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent. On the side of a mountain, in the valley and the air the steel industry finds its way into the hearts and minds of the people of Ebbw Vale. With industrial history dating back to the 1700’s through the Ebbw Vale Steelworks, the pride in this industry echoes that of the pride in Welsh Rugby and where the Steelmen train today.
Gareth Howells, Commercial & Marketing Manager from Ebbw Vale Rugby Club added, “Being a Welsh Premiership rugby side located in a strong mining town dating back to the 1700’s we are delighted to announce this exciting partnership with the Spirit of Wales Distillery and the Steeltown brand. We cannot wait for our supporters to taste the fantastic drinks served in the clubhouse, these will also be able to purchase as presents and gifts during the season online.”
“The Spirit of Wales brand will be on the match day shorts and will give awareness across Wales when we play and be seen when we play Live on S4C Wales. We would like to thank Daniel Dyer for his support of the Steelmen and cannot wait to kick start this partnership.” Added Howells.
To find out more about the upcoming premiership which kicks off on Saturday 3rd of September 2022, visit the Ebbw Vale Rugby Club website. Spirit of Wales Distillery will be at the games to treat the man of the match to a winning tipple too during the Indigo Welsh Premiership Season. The Indigo Welsh Premiership features games shown live on S4C Wales as and when selected.
To learn more about the Spirit of Wales Distillery and award-winning Welsh Rum, please visit the online store or find them on social media. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn.
B&L Roofing Extend Sponsorship Of Ebbw Vale RFC
B&L now enter a third season as an Ebbw Vale Sponsor and have increased their support further for the Steelmen having enjoyed their association with the club. We would like to thank Mark Love and look forward to hosting Mark and his team on match days at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
If you are looking for any roofing work to be done please check out https://www.facebook.com/Bl-roofing-wales-ltd-182075050056334
Central FM Group are proud to sponsor Ebbw Vale Rugby once again for the 2022/23 season.
Grassroots rugby is a major part of the local community of Ebbw Vale.
We are fortunate enough to be able to sponsor players through the age categories and support them whenever we can.
Being a local business we feel it is very important to invest in the future of the people in the community that we serve.
Central FM Central FM Group is a local company that supplies all aspects of security to local and national companies throughout the South Wales area. We provide a very professional, second to none service with vast experience within the security industry.
Our locally based Control Centre, Supervisors and Mobile Patrol staff enables Central to provide a fully supportive service to our customers and staff 24/7, 365 days a year.
More information can be found here http://centralukgroup.co.uk/
Time to get excited!
Introducing Your BRAND-NEW 2022/23 Ebbw Vale RFC Match Shirt
With the 2022/23 season on the horizon, you can now pre-order your brand-new 2022/23 Ebbw Vale RFC home and away jerseys! Anticipated delivery time is around 12th of September
We’ve been working with our new official kit supplier Scimitar to bring you the new range of Leisure wear and match kit, featuring the traditional home jersey and the fantastic away jersey.
Pre-order your match kit & leisure wear for adults and children now at http://www.evrfc.shop
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce a new commercial partnership with Vitapulse Health. The Vitapulse Health logo will feature proudly on the Ebbw Vale match shirts. We thank Vitapulse for their support of the Steelmen for the coming season and cannot wait to work with you on a number of exciting activities.
Vitapulse Health are delighted to be supporting and partnering with EVRFC for the coming season.
We are a Blaenau Gwent based company offering home-based sleep, heart and lung function screening and diagnostic services for those seeking answers to their questions and concerns without delay. Our products and services are easy to use in the privacy of your own home and our thorough diagnostic reports provide thorough analysis and treatment recommendations.
So whether you think you already have sleep, heart or lung function problems or would just like peace of mind, please contact our customer care team on 02922 700700 or email contact@vitapulsehealth.com to discuss your concerns.
More information can be found on our website www.vitapulsehealth.com
CiNER Glass UK announced as the main official sponsor of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club
CiNER Glass UK has today re-affirmed its commitment to the future of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club after the company agreed to become the club’s official main sponsor.
The glass manufacturing company has agreed a new three-year deal with Ebbw Vale RFC to become the Premiership rugby club’s official sponsor.
The new agreement follows a very successful first year, after last year, the company agreed to sponsor the men’s first team and junior academy, as well as entering into a stadium rights deal which saw the stadium renamed the Ciner Glass Community Stadium that will continue to be included in the new agreement.
However, the new agreement will see CiNER Glass become the main sponsor on the front of the club’s famous green, red and white jersey for the next three years for both the first team and across all other age groups. The deal will also see CiNER significantly increase its annual investment into the club’s first team, junior academy, and the rugby stadium itself to help the next generation of Ebbw Vale rugby stars and the future prosperity of the club.
The announcement re-affirms CiNER Glass’ commitment to the local community after the company received planning permission last month to build and operate a £390m glass manufacturing plant at the Rassau Industrial Estate.
Speaking about the new agreement, Mrs Ciner said: “I want to thank the Chairman, players, staff, and most of all the fans for welcoming us into the local community over the last year and allowing us to become a small part of this historic club. We have had a fantastic first year sponsoring Ebbw Vale Rugby Club and feel very proud to become the main sponsors. We look forward to what will hopefully be a very successful period both on and off the field and hope our partnership can help contribute towards the clubs’ goals.”
Chairman of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club, Jonathan Jones commented: ‘‘I want to thank CiNER Glass for their continued commitment to the club. Our partnership with CiNER Glass came at a time of real significance and helped the club navigate one of the most challenging periods in our 142-year history following the pandemic. I am delighted that it will continue as we look forward to investing in the future of the club and creating many more fantastic memories with our supporters.”
Attached is a photo of Executive Director of CiNER Glass, Mrs Didem CiNER with members of the Ebbw Vale RFC senior and junior team
Coleg Gwent Extend Sponsorship
We are delighted to announce that Coleg Gwent will once again continue their fantastic support of the Steelmen for the 2022/23 Indigo Welsh Premiership season. We have a number of age groups within the club from U7’s right the way through to U16s, Youth and then seniors, we feel strongly that education is an important part of the development pathway and always encourage our younger players to do well in education, Coleg Gwent can offer fantastic learning opportunities and we suggest checking out the range of courses here https://www.coleggwent.ac.uk/
Coleg Gwent are proud to continue sponsoring Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2022-23 season, sharing a passion for promoting participation and inclusion in sport in the local community. As one of Wales’ top performing colleges, Coleg Gwent has consistently high A Level pass rates and is ranked as the joint top performing college for vocational learning in Wales.
Enabling learners to combine their academic studies with improving their skills on the pitch, the college is home to the Coleg Gwent Dragons Junior Rugby Academy (the WRU Welsh Colleges and School Champions for 2019-20) and the first Girls Rugby Academy in Wales (winners of the Urdd WRU Welsh 7s and National Welsh Schools and Colleges Champions for 2021-22). Coleg Gwent takes pride in its learners continued sporting successes, alongside promoting inclusion and access to sport and education in the local area to improve the wellbeing of young people in the community.
Ebbw Vale RFC is located close to Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone, but with five campuses across Gwent (Usk, Ebbw Vale, Crosskeys, Newport and Cwmbran), studying full time, part time and university level qualifications on your doorstep couldn’t be easier. The Coleg Gwent community spans all age-groups, from school-leavers to mature-learners, and with a range of sports-related courses and a variety of other subject areas to explore, there’s something for everyone at the friendly, inclusive, and diverse college.
Coleg Gwent is looking forward to continuing this partnership with Ebbw Vale RFC for another exciting rugby season.
