Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Ebbw Start the New League With a Bang
Ebbw Vale`s first game in the new Super Rygbi Cymru league ended with the Steelmen collecting a bonus point victory in the September sun.
With the visitors taking the game to the Steelmen from the kick off, within the first few minutes of the game Ebbw Vale had a goal line dropout after full back Hamish Anderson touched down the ball behind the try line.
With Aberavon continuing to dominate territory and possession, the first try of the game soon came to the visitors when outside half Ed Dunford put in a good Crossfield kick for winger Connor Moyse to open the scoring. Flyhalf Dunford missed the conversion. The away side soon added to their advantage when number ten Dunford added a further three points to put his team eight points in front.
Soon Ebbw Vale got themselves onto the scoresheet, as as from a lineout in the Wizards half, an impressive driving maul was finished off by captain Joe Franchi. Last season`s top points scorer Evan Lloyd was unable to add the extra two points.
Straight from the restart. Ebbw Vale`s number eight Lewis Young made an explosive run through various defenders. With scrumhalf Jon Evans on his inside, Young passed the ball to Evans. Using his experience scrumhalf Evans put a clever chip over the covering defenders, only to be denied at the last moment with the referee adjudging the ball to have gone forward.
As the half wore on, the Steelmen`s forwards started to gain the upper hand and after constant pressure in the Aberavon twenty-two, quick ball out to outside centre Ethan Phillips, saw last years player of the season go over unopposed. The conversion by Lloyd went through the uprights.
Just before the half time break, the away side were reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes when front rower Rowan Jenkins was shown the yellow card.
From the resulting penalty Lloyd slotted over his attempt to extend Ebbw Vales lead to seven points at halftime.
Half time: Ebbw Vale RFC 15 Aberavon RFC 8
The second half started as the first ended, with the hosts adding their third try of the afternoon when young flanker Ewan McIntyre burst through a gap to finish off a very good team move. Fly half Lloyd kicked the conversion.
Ten minutes into the 2nd half, Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange replaced the front row of Luke Garrett, Adam Court and Joe Franchi with Morgan Davies, Adam Williams and Ieuan Morris.
From a lineout in the Wizard`s half, the Steelmen crossed the line again to score a bonus point try. In a powerful rolling maul at the lineout, the ball made its way to outside half Lloyd who found space, drew the defender and passed the ball to winger Ryan Gardner to go over in the corner. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
The Steelmen coach Strange made a further change, bringing on centre Cameron Davies on for inside Centre Dom Franchi.
Two quick firer tries by Aberavon’s Connor Moyse and Fullback Scott Delnevo saw the deficit reduced to five points. Further changes by Ebbw Vale saw second row Dylan Bartlett, winger Ewan Bowden and flanker Ben Main be replaced by debutants Jack Pope and Josh Malson with the 3rd change seeing Kobi Rees come on in the back row
With the final play of the game, fullback Hamish Anderson showed a clean pair of heels down the wing to draw the man and pass to the supporting Jon Evans to score his team`s fifth and final try of the game. Lloyd finished the game by converting the conversion.
A hard-fought victory against a very competitive Aberavon team.
Full time: Ebbw Vale RFC 34 Aberavon RFC 22
Man Of The Match: Lewis Young
Tries: Joe Franchi (1), Ethan Phillips (1), Ewan McIntyre (1), Ryan Gardner (1), Jon Evans (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3) Pens: Evan Lloyd (1)
After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale fullback Hamish Anderson,
Hamish said he felt the game went really well. He added there are some areas of development that need to be worked on but going to next week the team will look at the clips and correct the mistakes made during the game.
Hamish also said he was really excited to play fullback at this level, having had previous experience of playing the position, although his more natural position is as a winger.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Thursday 19th September
In round 2 of the new Super Rygbi Cymru, TheSteelmen travel to Cardiff RFC on Thursday night for a live game on S4C Clic..
The Addicts are providing transport for the game, leaving the Welfare at 5.15pm and returning straight after the games.
See contact details on the Addicts page on the website to book your seats
Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC
It’s the start of a new era in Welsh club rugby as the Steelmen entertain Aberavon RFC in the first round of the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru competition.
Last season in the Indigo Premiership, both teams claimed 1 victory apiece, with the Steelmen coming out on top 41-8 at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium in April.
Jason Strange has selected a squad full of youth and experience for the opening fixture of the league season. Hamish Anderson starts at full back with Ryan Gardner and Ewan Bowden taking their place on the wing. Upfront, Dylan Bartlett and Curtis Gregory continue their partnership in the 2nd row while talented youngsters Ewan McIntyre and Ben Main join the experienced Lewis Young in the back row. Joe Franchi will continue to captain the squad.
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows
15 Hamish Anderson 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (CAPT) 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Ewan McIntyre 7 Ben Main 8 Lewis Young
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Morgan Davies 18 Adam Williams 19 Jack Pope 20 Kobi Rees 21 Rory Harries 22 Josh Malson 23 Cameron Davies
On the new league Dom Franchi commented, “It’s always nice to be at home for the first game of the season. All the teams have strengthened, and it is going to be highly competitive from the first game to the very last.”
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC
Saturday 14th September
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick off 2.30pm
Sat Nav Postcode: NP23 5AZ
Admission Prices
FULL: £14
CONCESSION: £10
Please note there are no online ticket purchases for this match, however both card and cash payments will be able to be taken at the game.
Season Tickets
Season Tickets can be purchased online and collected at the club before the match on Saturday.
Ebbw Addicts Information
Our next fixture is on Thursday 19th September, when the Steelmen travel to the Arms Park to face Cardiff RFC for a game live on S4C Clic.
The Addicts are looking to provide transport to the above game. Please see the Addicts crew in the club shop on Saturday to book your seats on the bus.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are pleased to announce that Joe Franchi will continue as captain of Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2024/25 season.
Joe, who is closing in on 200 appearances for the Steelmen stated, “As always, it’s a massive honour to captain my hometown club. We’ve got another very competitive squad this year and I’m confident we can build on the two semi-finals from last season and go one better this season.”
#FeelTheSteel
The Steelmen are delighted to announce the coaching setup for the first season of Super Rygbi Cymru.
Jason Strange will continue as head coach of Ebbw Vale RFC, with Steve Lang and Aaron Coundley starting their 3rd season as assistant coaches for the Steelmen.
There is a change at Strength and Conditioning Coach, following Nicky Strange’s decision to step down from the role, with former Steelman and Polish Rugby International Dawid Rubasniak becoming the new S&C coach.
There are also changes to the medical team with Nikki McLaughlin joining as head physio from Merthyr RFC. Nikki will work alongside Alan Hancock. Also joining the team are new physios Imogen McClelland and Gemma Hill.
Rhys Thomas will continue as the club doctor.
Dan Haymond will be the Team Manager for a 3rd season. While Andrew Phillips will continue in his team comms role.
The invaluable backroom staff continue for another season with Ron Taylor remaining as kit manager. The team will be supported on match days and training sessions by Dilwyn Snelgrove and Ashley Margetson throughout the season.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signings of outside half Josh Malson and 2nd Row forward Alfred Bateman Lloyd.
Josh joins the Steelmen after appearing for both Newbridge RFC and Pontypool RFC last season. Josh has previously played for Talywain RFC.
On joining the Steelmen, Josh stated, “I’m very grateful to sign for this club with its great history and I’m excited for the year ahead with the boys.”
Also joining the squad is the latest signing from the link up between Christ College, Brecon and the Steelmen. Alfred Bateman Lloyd was part of the college’s first XV last season and also represented Welsh Crawshays.
On signing for the Steelmen, Alfred commented, “I an so excited to be part of this club and step up from youth to men’s rugby.”
#NewSignings #FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC recorded their 2nd win of the preseason with a 27 -19 win against Clifton RFC on Saturday.
In what was a good’ physical workout for Jason Strange’s squad, over 30 players took to the field during the match.
The try scorers were: Joe Franchi, Ewan Bowden, Ben Main, Ieuan Morris and Jake Hopkins with a conversion from Josh Malson.
The focus will now turn to preparation for the Steelman’s first game in the new Super Rygbi Cymru which starts on Saturday 14th September with the visit of Aberavon to the CINER GLASS Community Stadium.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of centre Ieuan Evans and winger Ned Bennett.
Ieuan Evans
Ieuan, a product of Abergavenny RFC, has previously played for St Julians RFC and Monmouth RFC.
On signing with the Steelmen, Ieuan commented, “Really excited to be going into the first season of Super Rygbi Cymru with Ebbw Vale. Looking forward to the challenges ahead with this great club.”
Ned Bennett
Ned, a product of Crymych RFC, signs for the Steelmen from Glamorgan Wanderers.
On signing with the Steelmen, Ned commented, “Looking forward to making an impact with Ebbw Vale RFC this season.”
Clifton RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
The Steelmen return to action with our annual trip across the border to play Clifton RFC on Saturday with a 2.30pm kick off.
Ebbw Addicts Information
The Addicts bus is full for the trip to Clifton RFC on Saturday and is leaving the Welfare at 11.30am.
The Welfare will be open for breakfast from 10.00am for anyone who would like a beverage or breakfast rolls before travelling to the game.
After the match, the Addicts will stay at Clifton Rugby Club to enjoy a few drinks before returning to the Welfare at 5.30pm.
The clubhouse will be open on our return.
REMINDER that Clifton RFC run a CASHLESS bar and food outlet.
For Ebbw supporters making their own way to the match, the address for Clifton RFC is: Clifton Rugby Club, Station Rd, Patchway, Bristol BS10 7TB
Ebbw Vale RFC took on Gwent neighbours Newbridge RFC at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium this week. In a hard fought battle, the Steelmen won by 50 points to 14.
It was a great first workout of the season with 31 players from the Steelmen squad taking part in the match.
The Steelmen scored 8 tries in the match with 5 tries being converted.
The try scorers were: Lewis Young (2), Ieuan Evans (2), Morgan Davies, Ewan McIntyre, Hamish Anderson and Matt Price.
Cons: Josh M (4) Evan L (1)
Thank you to Newbridge RFC for the game and would like to wish them good luck with their first season back in the Premiership.
The Steelmen’s next match is on Saturday 31st August with our annual trip to Clifton RFC.
Dear Valued Members,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an upcoming adjustment in the pricing of certain memberships at Ebbw Vale RFC. We have decided to increase the prices of the following memberships, effective 1st August 2024:
- Concession Membership: from £70 to £90
- Standard Membership: from £125 to £140
- Vice-President Membership: from £250 to £275
We want to emphasise that our prices have remained unchanged for over five years, and this decision has not been made lightly. We have made every effort to keep this adjustment as minimal as possible while continuing to uphold the quality and service you expect from us.
If you pay using our subscription service, the new monthly rates will be as follows:
- Concession Membership will increase by £1.50 to £8.00
- Standard Membership will increase by £1.50 to £12.50
- Vice-President Membership will increase by £2.00 to £24.00
Standard and Concession memberships will now include access to 9 League games, 2 cup group games, and a Play-Off game. Vice-President members will continue to enjoy the same access as in previous seasons.
Additionally, we would like to inform you that gate entry to matches will slightly increase. The new gate entry price will be £14, up from £12, for standard entry and £10, up from £8, for concessions. This adjustment is necessary to help us manage increasing operational costs and to continue providing a high-quality experience at our matches.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support. Our commitment to providing you with exceptional experiences and facilities remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to ensuring that you continue to receive the best value for your membership. We want to express how important you are as members of our rugby family, and we are truly grateful for your ongoing dedication and enthusiasm.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your trust and loyalty.
Ebbw Vale RFC
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce their preseason games for the 2024/25 season.
First up is a home fixture at EXP against friends and Gwent neighbours Newbridge RFC. For the first time in a number of seasons, the Steelmen will play a preseason fixture at EXP and look forward to playing Premiership newcomers Newbridge RFC.
Following that, the Steelmen will travel across the bridge to face Clifton RFC for the 3rd consecutive season which should be another highly competitive game.
#FeelTheSteel
RETAINED!
Our second announcement of the evening is the retention of outside half, Evan Lloyd.
The Steelmen are delighted to see the the top points scorer in the Indigo Premiership last season return to Ebbw Vale RFC for 2024/25.
Evan played 27 times for Ebbw Vale in 2023/24 and also passed his landmark 50th appearance for the Steelmen last year.
#FeelTheSteel
NEW SIGNING
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of centre Cameron Davies for the 2024/25 season.
Cam, who was part of the Steelmen squad last season while with the Dragons Academy, has signed permanently with his local Super Rygbi Cymru team.
On signing for the Steelmen, Cam commented, “Really excited to be with Ebbw Vale next season going into the league. Pleasure to be signed for my local team.”
NEW SIGNING!
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of scrum half Dan Buffery from Cross Keys RFC.
Dan, a product of St Peters RFC, has previously played for the Cardiff Blues U17s and Welsh Academicals.
On signing with the Steelmen, Dan stated, “Looking forward to joining the first season of Super Rygbi Cymru with Ebbw Vale and playing with the physicality and speed the league will bring. Looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of winger Hamish Anderson from Bedwas RFC.
Hamish made a number of appearances for the Steelmen on permit at the end of the 2023/24 season, scoring an interception try on his first start against Carmarthen Quins.
Hamish has previously played for Caerphilly RFC Youth, Coleg y Cymoedd and Dragons U18s.
Hamish says, “Really enjoyed the games I was involved in towards the end of last season. Looking forward to becoming a part of this great team and club.”
#FeelTheSteel
RETAINED
Returning to the Steelmen in 2024/25 will be full back Morgan Richards and 2nd/back row forward Ewan McIntyre.
Morgan will be starting his 3rd season with the Steelmen. He made 21 appearances for Ebbw Vale last season and is closing in on his 50th appearance for the Steelmen.
Morgan stated, “I am very happy to re-sign with Ebbw for the coming season. Can’t wait to get back with the boys to get the season started. Hopefully can get our hands on some silverware for the club and the fans.”
Also retained and starting his 2nd season with Ebbw Vale RFC will be Ewan McIntyre who joined the Steelmen last year following the club’s link up with Christ College, Brecon. Ewan made 17 appearances in 2023/24.
Ewan commented, “Chuffed to be back with the team for the 2024/25 season. Looking forward to the new league with the supporters behind us. Learnt a lot last season from Jason and Aaron. Big season ahead with no doubts in my mind.”
#FeelTheSteel
NEW SIGNING announcements starting tomorrow at 6pm
Also remaining Steelmen for the new campaign are second row forwards Dylan Bartlett and Curtis Gregory
Dylan, who reached his 50th appearance for the Steelmen against Newport in the playoff semi-final will start his third season with the club. Dylan made 26 appearances during 2023/24
Joining him for another season is 2nd row partner Curtis Gregory who made 25 appearances for the Steelmen in 2023/24. Curtis will be looking to pass 50 appearances for the Steelmen during the new season.
Curtis commented, “Pleased to re-sign for my home club/ Looking forward to the upcoming season with the boys. Hopefully we build on last season and celebrate with some silverware at the end of the season.”
#FeelTheSteel
Our next announcement is the retention of front rowers Adam Court and Owen Hatherill.
Adam, who is starting his 3rd season with the Steelmen, made 22 appearances in 2023/24 and will be looking to pass his landmark 50th appearance next year.
Adam commented, “Really happy to be signing for my 3rd season at Ebbw. Last year, getting to the two semi-finals was good but we want to go one better this season.”
Joining Adam is Owen Hatherill , who joined the Steelmen in 2023/24, making 14 appearances during his debut season. Owen stated, “I am excited on re-signing this season to continue playing for an amazing team and community.”
#FeelTheSteel
Joining Cam and Lewis in the back row will be Ryan Jenkins and Ben Main.
Ryan, starting his third season with the Steelmen, played 15 times for the Steelmen in 2023/24. Ryan commented, “When I was asked, I was more than happy to sign on for another season with this great club, in my opinion there’s no better place to be playing my rugby, especially with the coaching and all the support we have. I’ve really enjoyed the last two seasons at Ebbw and I am committed to helping this club achieve great things. Hopefully I will have many more years to come with Ebbw Vale.”
Also remaining with the Steelmen for a second season is exciting young backrower, Ben Main. Ben, who signed from Abergavenny, made 12 appearances in 2023/24 said, “I’m happy to have had the chance to have another season up at Ebbw Vale and can’t wait to get back on the field.”
In our second round of announcements, we start with two players who have made 340 appearances for the Steelmen between them, Cameron Regan and Lewis Young
Cameron, who made 20 appearances on his return to Steelmen colours last season, passed the landmark 200 games towards the end of the season. Cam commented, “Absolute pleasure to sign another year with the club. Had a few offers from the South of France with Toulon etc. but my heart is and will always be in Ebbw. Really looking forward to my 11th season with the club.”
Lewis who also made 20 appearances in 2023/24 will be looking to make his 150th appearance for the Steelmen in 2024/25. Lewis stated, “I’m over the moon to be re-signing at Ebbw Vale RFC for another year, this club and the people involved are very important to me. I think as a team we are improving year on year, and we can learn from the experiences from last season’s semi defeats and use them as fuel to go into the new season, new league and go a step further and bring home some silverware to this club. I’m excited to get stuck into preseason with the boys and have a successful season.”
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of second row, Jack Pope from Bridgend RFC.
Jack, a product of Pencoed RFC, came through the Academy system at the Ospreys winning caps for Wales U16s and U20s.
Jack joined Bridgend RFC at the age of 17 before moving on to play for Pontypridd RFC. Jack returned to Bridgend RFC for the 2022/23 season.
On signing for the Steelmen, Jack commented, “I am looking forward to becoming part of the team at Ebbw Vale. I have played against this club for a number of years and was delighted when Jason got in contact about the new season. A fantastic opportunity to play amongst quality players and coaches. Hopefully, as a team, we can maintain the strong performances and continue to be a competitive side progressing into the new season.”
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian International back row forward, Sion Parry from Pontypridd RFC.
Sion from Rhiwbina, Cardiff played for his local team as a junior before moving onto play for Whitchurch RFC. At senior level, Sion has played for Bedwas RFC before joining Pontypridd RFC.
Sion made his debut for Canada from the bench against Tonga in the first Test of their tour in the summer of 2023. Sion was then selected to start in the second test match.
On signing for the Steelmen, Sion said, “I’m really looking forward to the season ahead with Ebbw and hopefully winning at least one piece of silverware. The coaching set-up and facilities are great so I can’t wait to get started up there.”
#FeelTheSteel
New Signings
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of front row forward Adam Williams from Cardiff Rugby
Adam had previously played for the Steelmen when part of the Dragons Academy and has also played BUCS rugby for Cardiff University.
An age grade international, Adam won 8 caps as part of the Wales U20s squad.
Adam, from Abergavenny, is looking forward to returning to the Steelmen and stated, ‘It’s great to come back to Ebbw. It’s a fantastic club local to my old hometown of Abergavenny that’s going to compete at the top of Super Rygbi Cymru. Really excited to get stuck in at the club. It has great values and great people behind it.”
#FeelTheSteel
