Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby

Ebbw Vale Youth Pre-season

An Invite to start your Pathway to Premiership

For any 16-18 year old players willing to become part of a Premiership club, pre-season training will start on Monday July 4^th.

Prior to the start of training there will be a ‘Meet the Club’ evening on Thursday 30^th June at The Ciner Glass Community Stadium, Eugene Cross Park.

On the evening you will meet and chat with the highly experienced and knowledgeable youth team coaches and management, who will talk about the opportunities with Ebbw Vale RFC, the coaching methods and off field support, the history of the club, its culture and how you can be the next part of it!

The evening will also provide:

• A tour of the clubhouse
• A visit to the main ground changing rooms , including the in house gym
• An opportunity to try on next seasons kit
• Meet senior squad players

Places are limited! So for further information and to book your place please contact a member of the Management team:

Mathew Williams, Head Coach – 07535 516276

Richard Brown, Assistant Coach – 07972 740388

Phil Seward, Assistant Coach – 07919 403505

Damien Jenkins, Team Management Support – 07713 325093

John Prendergast, Team Management Support – 07842 410710

Andy Wallace, Team Management Support – 07749 850960

Alun Harries, Head of Development – 07932 024408

FEEL THE STEEL

Ebbw Vale RFC Sign Scimitar Kit Deal

We are delighted to announce a new five-year kit partnership with Scimitar Sportswear, which will begin ahead of the 2022/23 season. 

Ebbw Vale are the second Welsh Premiership side to partner with Scimitar, after Carmarthenshire outfit Llandovery RFC signed a new deal in 2021. 

The 2015/16 Premiership champions have signed a deal which will see Scimitar provide sustainable teamwear, sportswear and leisure options.

The Monmouthshire side, who play at 7000-capacity Eugene Cross Park, have produced notable players over the years including British & Irish Lions Denzil Williams, Arthur Lewis and Dan Lydiate, as well as the current Canada National Team Coach, Kingsley Jones. 

Ebbw Vale Chairman Jon Jones said: “Scimitar are leading the way when it comes to custom sportswear and the quality of the kit is fantastic which I know the players and staff will be excited to wear.

“The fact Scimitar prioritise sustainability is important to us and where possible, we will look to go down this route as we as a club also recognise the importance of recycling.

“We’re very much looking forward to next season and know that we are in very capable hands with Scimitar to help us meet our kit and merchandise needs for all of our teams, from 7-year-olds to senior rugby, alongside an excellent package of accessories that compliments the kit offering superbly.”

Scimitar Director Jon Rew said: “We’re thrilled to be able to support another fantastic Welsh Premiership side and we’re very excited to be able to soon launch the new playing XV shirt for the 2022/23 season.” 

For all the latest from news, results and fixtures from Ebbw Vale RFC, click here. 

To enquire about sportswear or merchandise for your club, email info@scimitarsports.com. 

Social Media: @evrfc @ScimitarCustom

Ebbw Vale are delighted to announce the signing of Rhys Francis back to the club after a lengthy lay off. Rhys will add experience to the Steelmen front row and can’t wait to start pre season and get stuck in once again.

Height – 6”2

Weight – 106kg

Position – Hooker

Honours – Dragons U20’s, Dragons Academy

Past clubs – Ebbw Vale RFC, UWIC RFC

Rhys had to say;

“ I am really excited to get back playing after injury and help Ebbw Vale in it’s rebuild process. The club has been a massive part of my rugby career since signing here back in 2014 with Jason and Duane. Especially looking forward to hearing and seeing the addicts on the bank on a Saturday afternoon!”

Ebbw Vale are delighted to announce the signing of experienced tight head prop Adam Court for the 2022/23 season. 

Adam had the following to say on joining the Steelmen

It’s a great opportunity for me at a big club like Ebbw vale. I am looking forward to a hard pre season and then getting stuck into the season ahead.

Clubs: Pontyclun RFC,  Beddau RFC, Cardiff RFC and Bridgend RFC

Stats: 6ft

Weight: 125kg

Age: 29

Position: Tight head

Ebbw Vale RFC is excited to welcome Haydn to the steelmen for the coming season. Haydn will offer an attacking option at 10 or 15 as well as being an accomplished goal kicker and add further strength in depth to the squad that is being built.

Hayden’s Highlights https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uaXmxrtQADk&feature=youtu.be

Haydn commented.

Having played against Ebbw Vale on numerous occasions I’ve experienced the great atmosphere that the Ebbw Vale fans create. After talking to Jason about the club’s ambitions it was an easy decision to make. I’m excited for a new challenge and can’t wait to start playing in front of the Ebbw fans.

Height: 6ft

Weight: 86kg

Position: Outside half / full back

Clubs: Newport RFC, Croesyceiliog RFC

Ebbw Vale RFC are excited to announce the signing of exciting back Ryan Davies from Gwernyfed RFC.

Ryan is an exciting talent with plenty of pace who can cover wing of fullback. When we played Cardiff away this year Ryan was at the heart of the Cardiff attack and showed plenty of pace on the wing.

Ryan commented on signing for Ebbw Vale,

I am really excited for the season ahead with Ebbw Vale. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into preseason and then get a good start to the league. It will be nice to see some new faces and have a fresh squad and can’t wait to see how the new coaches will develop my game more.

Highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTDc_ti3uU0

Ryan Davies

Height-5’11

Weight-82kg

Position-fullback/wing

Clubs represented

Gwernyfed RFC (home club), Cardiff Blues u16s, Cardiff RFC, Llandovery RFC.

Honours-going from playing division 4 rugby one weekend to making my debut for Cardiff RFC in the Indigo Premiership the weekend after.

We are delighted to announce the signing of Dragons outside half Evan Lloyd who will join the steelmen for the 2022/23 season. Evan is an exciting outside half who has featured regularly for the steelmen in the 21/22 season in the Welsh Premiership. Evan played 10 times last season for the steelmen, racking up a total of 7 conversions, 11 pens a total of 74 points including one try

Evan commented

I really enjoyed the back end of the season with Ebbw Vale playing some regular rugby. I am now looking forward to a new challenge and working with the new coaching team, I want to enjoy my time at this great club and help develop an exciting brand of winning rugby.

Highlights here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmHm9fzTz7o

Age: 22

Date of birth: 6th February 2000

Height: 185cm / 6′ 0”

Weight: 90kg / 14st 2lbs

Honours: Dragons Champions cup, URC, Wales U18/U19’s

Previous Clubs: Blackwood mini & juniors, Dragons Rugby

We are delighted to announce the signing of Ryan Gardner for the 2022/23 season, Ryan joins us from Newport RFC and will add an extra attacking option to the Ebbw Vale backline. In his previous playing sting at the Steelmen, Ryan was the winner of the Premiership Try of the Season award and also tasted cup success at the National Stadium during his time at Brynmawr RFC

Ryan said on signing for the steelmen.

“After spending some time away from Ebbw Vale playing for Brynmawr & Newport RFC, I am excited to be back playing for my local premiership club & look forward to seeing what next season brings to Ebbw Vale”

Height: 5’11

Weight: 92kg

Position: Wing

Clubs represented: Ebbw Vale RFC, Brynmawr RFC, Newport RFC

We are excited to welcome top young prospect Curtis Gregory to Ebbw Vale RFC. Curtis has experience in playing in the Welsh Championship and is keen to work with the coaching staff at the club to develop his game and help Ebbw challenge for honours in 22/23. Curtis joins a club where he has strong fiends and family connections, with school team mates, Ethan Philips, Dawid Rubasniak and Joel Harries members of the Steelmen squad. His father Mark has also played for the club with younger brother Max having developed through the Mini and Junior section and will be a prt of the Steelmen Youth Squad in 2022/23

Curtis had to say on his signing.

My ambition has always been to play Premiership rugby and I was over the moon when Ebbw Vale offered me the opportunity to play for my local club. I have worked with Jason in the past and he is a coach who I have looked up to and am looking forward to being coached by again. I look forward to the challenges ahead and playing in front of the Ebbw supporters

Height: 6ft 4

Weight: 17st

Honours: 3 x championship winner

Jordan Davies becomes a steelman

We are delighted to announce that Jordan Davies will be joining the steelmen for the 22/23 season. A local abrasive forward who is keen to learn and develop his game further.

Jordan commented on his move to the Ciner Glass stadium.

It’s a big move in my career and I can’t wait to get stuck into an exciting challenge when pre-season starts in July.

Height : 6ft 7

weight : 124kg

Position: Second Row

Clubs represented: Hafodyrynys, Abertillery and Croesyceiliog

Steelmen Youth Management Team Completed

Ebbw Vale RFC have now completed the management team for the youth and development teams at the club with the recruitment of ex Newbridge & Cardiff centre Richard Brown. Richard will assist Head Coach Mathew Williams with the coaching of the youth & development teams at The Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

Richard has a proven record in developing young players having coached representative age grade rugby and had successful periods with both Newbridge & Crumlin youth

On accepting his new coaching position, Richard commented, ‘I’m hugely excited to be involved and to start to contribute the development of future star Steelmen and looking forward to working with some great rugby people at Ebbw Vale’.

Head of Player & Coach Development, Alun Harries, added, ‘Richard’s appointment is the final piece in a quality management team for the youth & development section of the club. He has the detailed and critical approach to his coaching that the young players will thrive off and will be a great compliment to Chunky’

The full Youth & Development Management Team:

Head Coach: Mathew Williams

Assistant Coaches: Richard Brown & Phil Seward

Support Management: Damien Jenkins, John Prendergast & Andy Wallace

Welcome Andrew Mann

We are delighted to announce that 6ft 3 second row forward Andrew Mann is returning to Ebbw Vale for the 22/23 season. Andrew has a wealth of experience in the Welsh Premiership and is looking forward to playing in front of the Ebbw Addicts

Andrew had this to say on joining Ebbw Vale; 

After spending the last 5 seasons away with Newport RFC, I have looked to play closer to home as I have work/family commitments to fulfil with a newborn on the way, really excited to see what the future holds with Ebbw as they’re a very close bunch and play with a lot of heart, looking forward to pulling on the jersey at Eugene and play in front of a very loud crowd 🙂

Height:6ft 3”(190.5cm)

Weight: 16st 101kg

Pos: Second Row

Honours: Winning the premiership cup with Newport RFC, Coaches Player of the year for Newport 19/20 season.

Clubs: Brynmawr, Blaenavon, Ebbw vale RFC, Newport RFC.

Ebbw Vale RFC is currently looking for a physiotherapist/sports therapist/sports rehab practitioner / osteopath / chiropractor for the upcoming season. The role will start at the beginning of July and you will be available for training & games during the season. Rugby / sport experience desirable 

A pitch side trauma qualification is a must and the renumeration for the position will be based on your experience and discussed with the club at your interview.

Roles: 

– Assisting with up keep of the WRU minimum standards criteria 

– Managing player injuries, including creating a clinical impression and rehabilitation programmes 

– Joint working with club physio, coaches and additional back room staff 

– Pitch side cover at games

If you feel you have the correct experience and qualifications then please send your CV ASAP to Saran Wyburn on swyburn09@gmail.com

McDonough signs for the steelmen

Addicts favourite Carrick McDonough has signed for the steelmen for the 22/23 season from the Dragons. The former sprinter and Wales u20s wing is looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season with the boys and learning of Jason and the other coaches to develop his game. Carrick will also continue to work with Wales 7’s in the coming season

Carrick said.

I’m very excited to sign for Ebbw Vale this coming season, the club is rebuilding, and I know the 22/23 season is going to be a promising one, the new coaching staff are adding new things to the club and the new boys coming in will make a difference.

Height : 181cm

Weight : 88kg

Honours : Wales 18s, Wales 20s and Wales 7s

Clubs represented: Ebbw Vale, Cross Keys and Bridgend

Jordan Pritchard signs for the Steelmen

We are delighted to announce the signing of experienced tight head prop Jordan Pritchard for the 2022/23 season. 

Hailing from Ferndale, Jordan first started his rugby with Rhondda Schools under 15’s, advancing on to the Blues Under 16s, and Ospreys Under 18’s. Jordan has also represented Swansea RFC, Pontypridd and Treorchy RFC as well as Ospreys A. 

Speaking to Jordan on signing for Ebbw Vale he said, I am looking forward to new challenges at Ebbw and progressing as a player and can’t wait to start with the squad for pre season.

Height 6ft

Weight 123kg

Position Tight Head Prop

Honours

Rhondda U15s

Cardiff Blues U16s

Boys Club of Wales U16s

Ospreys U18s

Ospreys A

Bridgend College, Treorchy RFC, Pontypridd RFC, Swansea RFC

We are delighted to announce the signing of exciting young full back Morgan Richards. Morgan has represented Wales at U20’s level as well as the Dragons and most recently Pontypridd RFC in the Welsh Premiership.

On signing for Ebbw Vale, Morgan had the following to say;

The project at Ebbw Vale for next season is something that has really excited me. It is something I want to be apart of, there will be a lot of new faces in the squad so let’s hope we can hit the ground running. I can’t wait to get started.

Morgan Richards

Height – 6ft

Weight – 91kg

Position – Full Back, Wing

Honours – Wales 16’s, Wales 18’s, Wales 20’s, Dragons.

Clubs Represented – Caldicot RFC (home club), Dragons 16’s, Dragons 18’s, Dragons Celtic Cup, Pontypridd.

Morgan’s Video Highlights  https://youtu.be/CLLnsoCwg10

Dan Haymond Appointed Team Manager

After announcing his recent retirement Dan Haymond has accepted the vacant position of Team Manager at the Steelman and will be supported by the long serving Team Administrator Doug Taylor. 

Dan had 210 caps for the Steelmen that included 4 title winning seasons, 2 cup semi finals, A fierce competitor and player who always gave 100% every time he pulled on the Steelmen jersey

This completes the off field set up and Chairman Jon Jones had this to say about the appointment of Dan,

When Dan discussed his retirement with Jason and myself, both of us agreed that we wanted to keep Dan involved at the club and the vacant Team Manager’s role was an ideal opportunity. Dan epitomises what has been good about the club over the last 10 years, pride in the badge, skill, heart and honesty. Good people create good environments and we are confident that Dan will continue to play a major part in driving a culture of hard work leading to success

Dan commented; 

Obviously when I new it was time to hang my boots up it wasn’t a decision I wanted to make, so when Jason told me he still wanted me involved with the club and offered me the team manager’s role it was a no brainer for me.

It will be a strange feeling and it is going to take a bit of time for me to get used to the role but I will give it 100% and do my best for the boys and club. I am hoping having played under Jason for so long and played along side the boys that I can be a good link between the both and can’t wait to get stuck in.

Coaching Team Announcement

Chairman Jon Jones is delighted to announce that the coaching Team appointed in December 2021 will lead the Steelmen into the 2022/23 season having steadied the ship and gained 3 wins in what was a tough and disappointing 2021/22 season

Head Coach Jason Strange will once again be backed up by Forwards Coach Geraint Lewis, Backs Coach Steve Lang, S&C Coach Nicky Strange and Aaron Coundley will continue as scrum coach.

All retained players have left with training plans for the summer prior to recommencement of pre season training at the beginning of July

Jason said;

“Last season gave the coaches an opportunity to look at the squad and the clubs position both on and off the field. It became obvious that it was a big rebuilding job with changes needed. There’s a lot to turnaround which isn’t going to happen overnight but next season’s squad will be increased, improved and stronger.

Its now important we look towards the future by recruiting the right type of characters, working hard in pre season and getting everyone going in the same direction towards a clear goal.

Ebbw Vale RFC Youth
Assistant Coach

Following the appointment of club stalwart Mathew Williams as Head Coach for the youth team at Ebbw Vale, the club are now recruiting an Assistant Coach to work with Mathew and the youth team and aid the clubs Pathway to Premiership programme.

As Assistant Coach you will also work with the senior squad coaches for preparation of the club’s Development XV fixtures

Duties will include:
– Responsibility for backline play
– Assist the Head Coach in team tactics and playing strategy
– Enhance player’s core skills
– Attend and deliver on youth team and development XV sessions
– Attend youth and development XV matches

This role will suit an enthusiastic and ambitious coach who wishes to be part of a Premiership club coaching environment, ideally WRU (or other recognised union) Level 2 qualified, or at least be willing to work towards that qualification

For more details or to express an interest please contact:

Alun Harries
Head of Player & Coach Development
M: 07932 024408
E: harries.1@btinternet.com

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that the following backs will remain with the Steelmen for the season 2022/23.

Scrum Half – Jon Evans, Matthew Flannagan

Centres – Dom Franchi, Ethan Phillips, Paul King

Wing – Jordan Thomas

New signings to follow early next week

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that the following Forwards have been retained for the 2022/23 season. With the coaching group maintaining an experienced core of players plus young forwards who joined during the season who quickly became Addicts favourites

Loose Head Prop’s – Luke Garrett, Joel Harries, Lewis Kinsella
Hookers – Joe Franchi, Harry Bee, Mickhal Blake
Tight Head – Dave Whiting
Second Row – Lance Randall 
Back Row – Lewis Young, Alex Howes, Joe Thomas, Dawid Rubasniak

Following the well publicised retirements of Steelmen stalwarts Rob Severnoakes and Dan Haymond the club can confirm that the following players are leaving the Ciner Class Community Stadium and all Officials, Coaches and Squad members would like to thank them for the their contribution to the club and wish them the best of luck for the future rugby and work careers,

Thank you all and  Once a Steelman always a Steelman


Corey Talbot
Alex Grey
Owen Young
Rhys Jones
Mike Powell
Ryan Evans
Harry Harding
Dan Hill

The season ended last Saturday with the annual awards night at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium.

Despite a lack of honours for the club this season there were plenty of players looking for individual reward.

The evening kicked off by awarding Evan Lloyd with the top points scorer for Ebbw this season, finishing on 47 points. Karl Offers presenting Evan before announcing that Daf Howells would be the top try scorer for the Steelmen this season, with Daf unable to make the night.

Try of the season came from the ugliest result, away to Newport in the Greg Woods era. Ewan Rosser’s try in the corner nearest the Addicts taking the prize. 

The Gareth Howls Captain’s award went to Joe Franchi, but as President Mark Powell said, “What do the Davis Cup, Ryder Cup and Ebbw Vale RFC all have in common? They have non-playing captains,” signifying the unfortunate time Joe has had to take off with injury.

The Addicts’ Most Promising Player was also taken by Evan Lloyd who has been one of the shining lights this season at Eugene Cross.

For the first time in the club’s history the Ivor Evans Clubman award was a tie, going to both Rob Sevenoaks and Dan Haymond, unarguable considering their efforts on and off the pitch. Oaksy also picked up the Dr Gordon Thomas award.

The Denzil Williams Players’ Player of the Year, presented by captain Franchi went to Ethan Phillips whilst the Addicts Player of the Season was Ethan ‘Oggy’ Doyle.

The Clive Burgess Man of Streel award, given to the player who has played the most games in a season for Ebbw went to Dan Hill, who spent most of the evening taking some stick for his sole appearance for those in Black and Amber down the valley.

In fitting fashion to their services for the club, the evening was rounded off with a couple of special presentations, both awarded by the Franchi brothers. Firstly, the boys handed over a collection from the players and their thanks for the kit men, which was proudly accepted by Ron, Doug, Dilwyn and Ash on the night. 

Lastly. Oaksy and Dan Haymond were given a special portrait caricature of their time at Ebbw as they both bid farewell to playing duties at the club, but as was announced by Jon Jones, Dan will return as Team manager next season.

List Of Awards

Top Points Scorer – Evan Lloyd

Top Try Scorer – Dafydd Howells

Try Of The Season – Ewan Rosser v Newport

Gareth Howls Captain’s Award – Joe Franchi

Ebbw Addicts Most Promising Player – Evan Lloyd

Ivor Evans Clubman Award – Rob Sevenoaks & Dan Haymond

Dr Gordon Thomas Award – Rob Sevenoaks

Denzil Williams Played Player Of The Year Award – Ethan Phillips

Ebbw Addicts Player Of The Year – Ethan Doyle

Clive Burgess Man Of Steel Award – Dan Hill

New Youth Team Head Coach for The Steelmen

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that former player Mathew Williams will take over as Head Coach for the youth team.

Mathew, known in the rugby community as Chunky, played nearly 300 games for Ebbw Vale and was an integral part of the squad’s success in winning leagues and becoming Premiership champions in 2016.

On his appointment Mathew stated, ‘It’s great to be back at the club that was a huge part of my rugby career and to be working with a talented squad of young players, who I hope all go onto having the same success I enjoyed with the club’.

Mathew started his coaching career at his local club Oakdale and Steelmen Head Coach , Jason Strange, is looking forward to supporting him further in his coaching career, ‘Chunky is a very good young coach and it’s  great to have in back in the fold. He will also be working with seniors, so that we have that clear route and continuity for young players coming through as part of our Premiership Pathway programme’ .

Any 16-18 year olds wishing to be part of the youth and development programme at Ebbw Vale , please contact Head of Coach & Player Development, Alun Harries on 07932 024408