Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby

Ebbw Vale RFC will be joining the Welsh Rugby Union, along with various other sports teams and organisations in taking part in a social media blackout from 15:00 BST on Friday 30th April – 23:59 BST on Monday 3rd May in a show of solidarity against online abuse.

Everybody at EVRFC has been deeply disappointed to see some of the vile abuse people on social media seem to think is acceptable to direct at sports people just doing their job.

The words you say can have a massive impact on the wellbeing of sports people, they are human too.

Just as sport can divide us with healthy rivalry, it also unites us with the values of respect, humility and discipline. Verbal abuse against a sports person in any scenario is not only an attack on them but an attack on the values of the sports we love.

We hope that everybody would take this time to think about the way they behave online and how we, together, can stop this trend of online abuse.

We wish everybody connected with EVRFC a very good bank holiday weekend and ask you enjoy yourselves safely and responsibly.

This week, Haydn Evans caught up with club physio Saran Wyburn to hear about what it’s like to look after the aches, pains and injuries in the Ebbw squad and how she’s missed it all during the pandemic.

You can watch the interview here:

This time, Haydn Evans talks to scrum half Matthew Flanagan about life as a Steelman.

Watch the interview here:

Dai Llewellyn was a stalwart for Ebbw Vale in the 90s and represented the club in two spells as well as gaining experience playing in New Zealand. The scrum half was fortunate enough to play for Wales four times in 1998 and 1999 including scoring a try against Japan in the 1999 Rugby World Cup at the Millennium Stadium. He also featured for the Barbarians and captained Wales 7s. Dai joined media assistant Haydn Evans last week for a new series looking into some famous Ebbw games from the past through the eyes of those that were there.

Treorchy v Ebbw Vale, 1995

Ebbw Vale were promoted to the Premier Division in 1995 after defeating Narberth in the Division One final and struggled in their first season back in the top-flight.

“We had a crisis meeting with Paul Russell, the week before after being smashed by Llanelli by 70/80 points. We sacked the coaches and basically coached ourselves that season”.

“That was a turning point in the history of Ebbw Vale rugby club because we beat Treorchy that day and then went on to beat Abertillery in the local derby the week after, which was massive in us staying up”.

Ebbw Vale 19-11 Toulouse, 1998

Ebbw had come in for a drubbing in the South of France in the away fixture, losing 108-16, the heaviest defeat in a Heineken Cup match ever. Dai had pulled out of the defeat in Toulouse after turning his ankle but was fit to play in the clash at Eugene Cross Park with a number of changes being made to the team.

“We picked a young side and no one expected us to win” he said.

“Jason Strange hadn’t played many games at outside-half but he had a really good game with myself as the halfback’s which always helps. They dropped a few high balls from box kicks early on and I thought we would have them, I think it might have been a little too cold for their fingertips”.

The clash at Eugene Cross Park became an infamous game in European rugby with scuffles breaking out all over the field leading to a number of yellow and red cards, as well as an altercation between the French players and Ebbw supporters in the clubhouse afterwards.

“We didn’t just beat them that day, we beat them up as well” Llewellyn laughed.

“The forwards fronted up, one player that deserves a mention was a young Lee Banks who was fantastic that game, Lee has unfortunately passed away, but he was great that day”.

The brutality of the game took its toll on Llewellyn who thought he’d fractured his jaw, but this didn’t stop him being involved in Wales’ test with South Africa the following week.

“I think that’s a day that will go down in European rugby history, the little Valleys side beating the French giants!”

Ebbw Vale 25-0 Swansea, 1995

Another game from the 1995 season and a match that was significant in Ebbw staying in the Premier Division. However, this game was particularly memorable for Llewellyn for a more personal reason.

“Unfortunately, my father had passed away during that season and I had taken some time off for the funeral and for bereavement”.

In his first game back, Ebbw faced a massive test against a Swansea side containing twelve internationals including Colin Charvis and Garin Jenkins.

“It was an emotional game for me, my Dad never missed a game. Dorian Medlicott came up to me in the club afterwards and said, ‘I knew you were going to win today as soon as you walked into that changing room’”.

“The players, staff and supporters at Ebbw Vale helped me so much when my father passed away. Ebbw even to this day has this Valleys spirit and players want to play for each other”.

If you’d like to feature in our next ‘My Favourite Ebbw Games’ piece, then email media@evrfc.co.uk or contact us on social media @evrfc.

Back-five forward Dan Hill joins new media assistant Haydn Evans in a new feature for the Steelmen’s website and Ebbw Vale TV YouTube channel.

Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/Aug8BnWfgAM

Dan joined Ebbw in 2019 and talks about his journey in rugby so far which has seen him play at Swansea University, Guernsey, Clifton, Bath A and Wales Students as well as how he has coped with lockdown and keeping fit from home.

Watch until the end to see Dan spill the beans on the funniest & feistiest Steelmen.

Who would you like to see and hear from on the next Steelman in focus video?

Read Roy’spreview of Italia v Cymru, including some strong EVRFC connections with two of the newest stars.

Everyone associated with Ebbw Vale RFC was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Darryl Preece, one of our longest standing and most committed supporters. His brother Martin, a formidable hooker for us in the early 60s, recalled Darryl’s passion for the Steelmen, saying, “I don’t think he missed many matches over the years — even wet Wednesday evenings in west Wales during those fantastic cup runs!”

We send our sincere condolences to Darryl’s family. He will be greatly missed.

Head Coach Greg Woods has led the congratulations to centre Aneurin Owen and prop Chris Coleman who have earned new contracts with the Dragons. Both players became firm favourites with Ebbw supporters over recent seasons, and impressed for Wales Under 20s.
“Llongyfarchiadau, bois,” from all at Eugene Cross Park.

Join us online to reminisce old times with current and former players the night before the Wales v England game in the 2021 6 Nations. Friday 26th of February at 7:30pm, a great chance to have a pint, social and talk everything Ebbw Vale and Welsh rugby!

Our very own Dale Winton ‘Greg Woods’ will be hosting a question-and-answer session with the players along with stories of years gone by.

Our Special Guests for the evening are:

Richard Smith
Lenny Woodard
Jonathan Hawker
Alun Harries
Josh Lewis
Rhys Jones
Joe Franchi

To register to gain access to our club zoom please email marketing@evrfc.co.uk by Monday 22nd February

We are taking donations to support our fundraising for the club’s charity Hospice Of The Valleys if you would like to make a donation but you don’t have to.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-the-steelmen-hospice-of-the-valleys

Date 26th February
Time 7:30pm
Location: Ebbw Vale RFC ZOOM Online

As we have no rugby due to the current pandemic, we want to give you a few things that will give you a boost.

So, we have put together a few Ebbw Vale RFC backdrops and wallpapers for your phones and desktops to remind you of the good times which will hopefully be back soon

You can download them by clicking the following link http://www.mediafire.com/folder/el7kd3ktdc66y/Ebbw_Vale_Fan_Pack

Ebbw Vale supporters can now purchase our reusable branded face coverings so you can stay safe.

Following on from a high uptake on the first order we now have in stock a number of the VX-3 Ebbw Vale RFC face coverings, priced at £6 each.

The face covers are available in adult and juniors sizes and are washable, reusable, provide a large covering and are triple layer in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for non medical masks.

The latest advice from the Welsh Government, based on updated guidance from the WHO, is to wear face coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport. For more information from the Welsh Government click https://gov.wales/3-layer-face-coverings-recommended-not-mandatory-certain-situations-wales

Due to the current pandemic the club will only be posting these out, when ordering your mask please provide your address and also postage will be an additional cost on top of the mask price. Postage is £1.50 *depending on how many masks are bought, and is the only delivery option under current circumstances.

To order and purchase your Ebbw Vale RFC Face Covering email marketing@evrfc.co.uk 

Please note: All of our face coverings are for personal use. They are not suitable for hospital / medical use and therefore do not take away from NHS supplies. They are NOT medical grade masks or personal protective equipment (PPE). For more information please click https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

It was just over a year ago that Patrick Harrington QC was involved in a road traffic accident that left him seriously ill. This week, his friend and fellow legal professional, our President Mark Powell QC reports meeting Patrick who is now back at work following what may be termed a miraculous recovery. He is looking forward to returning to Eugene Cross Park to watch the Steelmen in action (as are we all!) and told Mark he’d been entertaining himself over the weekend by reading the REL archive.

Naturally, everyone at the club is delighted to learn of Patrick’s return to health, and we send best wishes to him and his family.

The club has 15 bobble hats left to purchase on a first come first served basis.

These will be priced at £16 and to order your bobble hat please email marketing@evrfc.co.uk Payment will be by BACS transfer and details of the club’s account will be supplied to you when you place your order.

Due to the current pandemic the club will only be posting these out, when ordering your mask please provide your address and also postage will be an additional cost on top of the bobble hat price. Postage is £1.50 *depending on how many hats are bought, and is the only delivery option under current circumstances.

Best wishes to everyone from all at Ebbw Vale RFC.

Blwyddyn newydd dda i chi gyd.

We were very sorry to hear that Mel Williams, father of former Steelman Gareth ‘Denver’ Williams, passed away this week. We send our deepest sympathies to all the family.

Bobble hats will be available for collection from Gareth at the clubhouse car park on Wednesday 9th December between 2pm-5pm for those who had pre ordered them.

If you need to get in contact please email marketing@evrfc.co.uk

For those who chose to have them posted out, they will be sent this week.

The theme of the event is festive get together over a pint and mince pie ( xmas jumpers optional)

Ebbw Vale supporters can still purchase our reusable branded face coverings so you can stay safe.

Following on from a high uptake on the first order we have had a number of further requests from fans for the new VX-3 Ebbw Vale RFC face coverings, priced at £6 each.

The face covers are available in adult and juniors sizes and are washable, reusable, provide a large covering and are triple layer in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for non medical masks.

The latest advice from the Welsh Government, based on updated guidance from the WHO, is to wear face coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport. For more information from the Welsh Government click https://gov.wales/3-layer-face-coverings-recommended-not-mandatory-certain-situations-wales

The Ebbw Vale RFC face coverings will take around 3-4 weeks turn around, if you require postage you will need to say so in the email, provide address and also postage will be an additional cost on top of the mask price. Postage is £1.50, and is the only delivery option under current circumstances.

Please note: All of our face coverings are for personal use. They are not suitable for hospital / medical use and therefore do not take away from NHS supplies. They are NOT medical grade masks or personal protective equipment (PPE). For more information please click https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

To order and purchase your Ebbw Vale RFC Face Covering email marketing@evrfc.co.uk by Monday 7th December

Further to the club’s charity partnership with Hospice of the Valleys we are excited to launch our away strip for the 20/21 season. The jersey includes the club and Hospice colours, as well as incorporating an outline map of the Blaenau Gwent Borough, the area the club and charity are passionate about.

The shirt is for sale via the club shop for Christmas along with a number of other new items of team merchandise.

Order yours now and support the club and hospice.

https://akumashops.com/ebbwvale/

It is with great sadness that we have heard of the death of Ralph Tansill. Ralph played in the centre for Ebbw Vale in the 1960s, and was a stalwart of the Athletic XV, forming a powerful midfield partnership with Terry Cameron. After his playing days, he continued to contribute to the club as a hard working committee member, including a season as Match Secretary, a demanding role at a time when there were 50 matches in a season.

Ralph was held in the highest regard by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and we send our heartfelt sympathies to Wendy and his family.

I trust that you are safe and well in these strange and difficult times. This is is the time of the year when we would all normally be excited at seeing the first few league games of a new season, watching old favourites and potential new Steelmen stars. I know that all the Officers and Coaches are excited at the potential of the squad that was assembled early this summer and were looking forward to seeing an exciting brand of rugby that would return The Steelmen to the top end of the Premiership after a tough relegation battle last year.
The club continues to manage its ongoing expenses in a careful manner and we thank you all for your continued support and commitment.
As we are already 6 weeks into a normal season, and with a start of rugby remaining uncertain, we are asking all our valued members who utilise the Standing Order method as a means of paying for their Season Ticket to consider how they would like to manage their Standing Orders. The club are suggesting that you take one of 2 options:
– Cancelling the Standing Order until it becomes clear what the new season will look like and when it will start.
– Continue to make the payments which will become a donation and save the club VAT on the amount. This would still result in the member being issued with a Season Ticket in the normal manner.

We would be grateful if you could reply to marketing@evrfc.co.uk

Jon Jones
Chairman Ebbw Vale RFC

Steelmen Continue Support For Hospice Of The Valleys

“During the initial crisis caused by the Covid 19 Global Pandemic the work of the key workers within the country led by the NHS has been outstanding in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

As a club we came together and decided to support our local Hospice to help their fundraising to provide care for people in great need. We organised a donations page, re run of the 2016 Premiership Final and also branded Ebbw Vale RFC face masks which was a huge success. We would like to thank everyone for their support so far!

The coaches, players and officials at Ebbw Vale RFC had a meeting last week and have decided that we will expand our fundraising for the Hospice and we will be launching a charity old fashioned Bobble Hat incorporating the club and hospice colours. This will be an essential item for the cold winter and also support the hospice and club.

These will be priced at £16 and to order your bobble hat ready for the winter please email marketing@evrfc.co.uk payment will be by BACS transfer and details of the club’s account will be supplied to you when you place your order.

“As a club we have partnered with such a worthy charity “Hospice of the Valleys” and so far raised a great amount of funds, but we don’t want to stop there. I know that it is a charity that is close to so many people who are associated with the club and the town itself. Hopefully this new initiative with the old school bobble hats will bring increased awareness of the Hospice and funds. As a playing and management group we will be looking to help out as much as we can and I am sure you will agree it is a great choice and worthy cause.”

Greg Woods
Ebbw Vale RFC
Head Coach

It was with great sadness that the club learnt of the death of former player, Phil Kingsley Jones, in New Zealand where he had lived for many years. Phil, a front row forward in his playing days for Ebbw Vale, Abertillery and Blaina, was the first generation to play for the Steelmen, followed by his son Kingsley and grandsons, Rhys and Dorian with Rhys still maintaining the family playing link with the club.

Phil became widely known for his role as a coach, mentor and manager of the rugby phenomenon that was Jonah Lomu, the first truly global rugby icon. Phil guided his career and ensured that his talent was recognised throughout the world.

Many in the Ebbw Vale area are eternally grateful to Phil for bringing Jonah to Ebbw Vale where he wore the Steelmen colours in a friendly game. Rugby fans old and young queued for autographs from the All Black giant with a smiling Phil by his side, the sense of pride in his protégé only matched by his pride in the area he came from.

As well as his work with Jonah, Phil was widely respected for his 30 years service to Counties Manukua rugby in various roles. His success as a coach led him to coach the Tongan national team and create another Steelmen link with guiding second row Kuli Faletau and full back Josh Taumololo to Ebbw, after a request from his son who was captaining the club at the time. Both played starring roles in the club’s success at the time and this action by Phil has also had a major influence on Welsh rugby with Kuli’s son Talupe becoming a star player for his adopted homeland. It is expected that several other sons of Tongan imports will make their mark on Welsh rugby in the near future.

Away from the game, Phil became a professional comedian and can only be described as a larger than life character who would fill a room with his presence and ensure a laugh and a smile for all in his company.

Our thoughts are with his wife Verina, daughters Vikki and Rhiannon and stepson James, along with those close to the Steelmen, Kingsley Jnr, Rhys and Dorian.