Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Ebbw Vale RFC are proud to welcome local company AM Brickwork as sponsors for the upcoming 2019–20 Indigo Group Premiership campaign.
Antony Williams, AM Director said, “We are thrilled to be a kit partner of Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2019-20 season and delighted to be associated with our local club that is steeped in the history and traditions of Welsh club rugby. As a local business we are proud to be supporting a club that is at the heart of the local community and we are excited by the opportunities for AM Brickwork to gain exposure not just in Ebbw Vale but throughout Wales and beyond. We are looking forward to the journey ahead and to growing with Ebbw Vale RFC in what we are sure is going to be a successful season for us both.”
Jonathan Jones Ebbw Vale RFC Chairman said, “A big thank you to AM Brickwork for getting behind the club for the coming season. They are a local company and are prominent in the area working on various sites. We know that the premiership is an exciting league and with its TV coverage it gives sponsors profile across Wales. We cannot wait to display the AM Brickwork logo on our kit.
AM Brickwork www.ambrickworkcontractors.com
Would you like your child to run out as mascot with the Steelmen at one of our home games this season? The mascot will be featured in the match day programme, run onto the field with their favourite player and have the moment captured by our club photographer. If so, please contact clubsecretary@evrfc.co.uk or ebbwaddicts@yahoo.com.
The Steelmen welcome Bury St Edmunds RFC to Blaenau Gwent on Saturday, with the game kicking off at 2pm at Nantyglo RFC. There’ll be particular pleasure in catching up with the visiting coach, former Steelman Nick Wakley.
Supporters are asked to park at Nantyglo Rugby Club which will be open for refreshments.
Ebbw Vale RFC is looking to recruit volunteer stewards to help the smooth running of home games this season. Volunteers must be level 2 qualified (or working towards level 2) in stewarding, but don’t be put off if you’re not, as full training towards the necessary qualification will be provided.
To volunteer, or to find out more, please email our Club Secretary, Karl Offers
The WRU have altered their deadline for the submission of orders for 6 Nations tickets. As a consequence all requests from members must be received by 26th August 2019. This date supersedes the date shown on the forms already issued with season tickets and we apologise for the inconvenience but hope you’ll appreciate that we are bound by the Union’s timescales.
Further information will be provided, nearer to the deadline date, with details of when and where to bring your requests.
Alan and Mark will be in the clubhouse on Thursday 8th August from 6pm until 7pm to sell and distribute season tickets.
Please, if possible, collect your season ticket before the first match in order to reduce the congestion around the office as people clamour for their tickets.
The Annual General Meeting of Ebbw Vale RFC will take place at the club on Thursday, August 15th at 6:30pm. All 2018-19 members are entitled to attend and are warmly invited to do so.
As well as everything advertised on the poster, Alan and Mark will be there to distribute season tickets to existing members and to sell season tickets to new members. There’s no better way to show your support for the Steelmen. And the best news is that season ticket prices remain the same for the third season in a row. Bargain!
Martyn Cooke, who has been Team Manager for the last four and a half seasons, has made the decision to step down and will be replaced by Darren Venn who has been working in a variety of roles at the club including covering the Team Manager role as and when required. Martyn made the following statement:
“It’s been a very difficult decision but, it’s with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave the club. It’s been a big part of my life for the last four years and one where I have made some good friends along the way. I have been lucky enough to work with so many talented players, experienced coaches, great back room staff and volunteers. I wish the club good luck for the coming season and will definitely support Ebbw when I can. Thanks again – Feel The Steel!”
Darren had this this to say on his change of role: “As I embark on my third season at Ebbw I am delighted to have been appointed as Team Manager. My time at the club has been extremely enjoyable working with fantastic coaches, players and not to forget the best supporters in Wales. I have extremely big boots to fill following Martyn’s departure but I am excited and fully committed to help the club fulfil its vision and ambitions.”
The club would like to thank Martin for his hard work and dedication during this period and wish him every success for the future, but are delighted that the experienced Darren Venn has stepped into the role to ensure a seamless transition at a busy time of the year.
Another local product joins the club for the coming season and will provide a further challenge to what is already a highly competitive area of the squad. Craig Fillier, a tough, uncompromising character – as befits a serving soldier – joins the club and, with the ability to play right across the back row, is an excellent acquisition. Craig had a brief spell with Bedwas last season but is best known for his exploits for Brynmawr RFC where he scored three tries in the Plate final at the Principality Stadium in 2018 in the highly successful team that also won Division 1 East, and has an impressive list of honours as follows:
Gwent Dragons – U16, U18s, U20s
Wales Rugby Union 18s and U20s
Wales Rugby League U19s
British Army Rugby Union (12 Caps) – Including Army Vs Navy at Twickenham and featured in the Forces World Cup.
Combined Services (2 Caps)
Plate Cup Final Winner with Brynmawr RFC – 2017/2018.
Craig said, “I am delighted to be joining such a historic, proud club as Ebbw Vale. As a local boy from Blaina, me and my dad held season tickets at the club and attended all the home games. So it’s a real privilege to be part of the team I have such fond memories of watching and admiring as a youngster. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and relish the opportunity to be a part of this great club.”
Congratulations to the following players who received awards at the club dinner on Friday night.
Dan Haymond (Clive Burgess Man of Steel)
Rhys Jones (Denzil Williams Players’ Player, Addicts Player & Top Points Scorer)
Ronny Kynes (Gareth Howls Captain’s Award)
Ashley Sweet (Ivor Evans Clubman of the Year)
Paul King (Colin Brennan Award for Most Promising Player)
Lloyd Evans (Top Try Scorer)
Ross Jones (Dr Gordon Thomas Award)
Joe Franchi was awarded his 100 appearances cap
We are pleased to announce the following pre-season matches.
At Blaenavon RFC on Thursday August 8th at 7:30pm
At Brixham RFC on Saturday August 17th at 12:30pm
At Nantyglo RFC v Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 24th August at 2:30pm
We would like to take the opportunity to thank the officials at Nantyglo RFC for allowing us to use the excellent surface at Banna Park once again.
Indigo Group, a Welsh-based company that specialises in contracting, outsourced payroll and the umbrella industry has been named as the title sponsor for the new-look, 12-team Welsh Premiership.
The sponsorship news is a boost for the Premiership on the back of Specsavers’ backing of the WRU National Leagues and Cup.
There is further good news with the confirmation that last season’s top six Premiership clubs (Merthyr, Cardiff, Pontypridd, Llandovery, Ebbw Vale, Aberavon), will participate in a cross-border competition with Scottish Super6 clubs which will take place at the conclusion of the forthcoming season along with strong indication from all parties that last season’s extensive live television coverage of the Indigo Group Premiership will continue next season.
WRU Group Chief Executive Martyn Phillips said, “We are thrilled to welcome Indigo Group on board as Premiership title sponsors. Their energy, and the profile they will bring to the clubs and competition, will provide a significant boost to the new-look league, along with the continued high level of live television coverage and the prospect of a new cross-border competition.
“Moving to a 12-team competition will concentrate playing and coaching resources with the aim of improving standards and the re-introduction of promotion and relegation will add jeopardy to the competition. The primary purpose of the Indigo Group Premiership is for clubs to represent their communities in striving to become the best club in Wales. The league also provides the opportunity for emerging professionals to get valuable game time in a hard fought and competitive league.”
WRU Community Director Geraint John added, “We have worked closely with the Premiership clubs to secure the best possible scenario for all and we are excited at the prospect of watching the results of these changes on the Indigo Premiership this season. The clubs can look forward to a stable League structure with the added incentive of cross-border rugby at the end of the season.”
Jonathan Jones, Chairman of the Premiership Clubs commented “As a Premiership group of teams we are delighted with the faith and investment shown by the new sponsor Indigo Group and the continued support of broadcasters BBC and S4C, all of which are significant brands and now stakeholders in the Premiership.
“This is further endorsement of both the quality of rugby and development pathway that the Indigo Group Premiership provides for players, coaches and referees as well as truly representing the geography of Wales and its communities.
“And now with the prospect of playing cross boarder competition against the newly formed semi-professional teams from Scotland further raises the competition level and profile of the Indigo Group Premiership, which has already played a major role in the development of the game in Wales over the last 15 years.
“We look forward to working alongside our stakeholders and the WRU in investing and developing the league further in line with these exciting opportunities.
There will be automatic relegation for one Indigo Group Premiership club – providing the winner of the Specsavers Championship meets the A Licence criteria.
For all the Indigo Group Premiership fixtures click here.
Specsavers Cup Round One 14/09/19:
RGC v Cardiff
Aberavon v Bargoed
Cardiff Met v Ystrad Rhondda
Newport v Carmarthen
Llandovery v Ystalyfera
Neath v Trebanos
Tata Steel v Bedwas
Ebbw Vale v Narberth
Pontypool v Swansea
Beddau v Bridgend
Merthyr v Pontypridd
Maesteg Quins v Llanelli
Cross Keys v Glamorgan Wdrs
Arrival at No 10 – Thankfully its not Boris Johnson!
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of another local talent in 21 year old Ethan Phillips who will be joining the club and will be competing hard for the number 10 shirt, although he is equally comfortable at 12. Ethan is a native of Ebbw Vale who benefitted from playing two successful seasons with Brynmawr RFC where he has had the thrill of being in a winning Cup Final side at the Principality Stadium, lifting the National Plate. The 6ft 3 and 95kg Ethan enjoyed further success in the same season in winning Division 1 East.
Ethan commented, “After 2 successful seasons at Brynmawr RFC I am looking forward to a new and exciting challenge of playing in the Premiership for Ebbw Vale RFC. Since watching the Steelmen from a young age it will be a privilege to be playing at Eugene Cross Park. I would also like to thank the coaches at both Brynmawr RFC and Ebbw Vale RFC for giving me this opportunity.”
Ebbw Vale coach Greg Woods is looking forward to working with an exciting, local, young player which builds further on the ethos of developing the talent in North Gwent. Ethan adds to an already impressive number of the squad who are steeped in the values and history of North Gwent rugby that will assist in continuing to keep Ebbw Vale at the forefront of semi professional rugby in Gwent.
After performing bench duty last season, prop Carl Sully has joined Ebbw Vale from Pill Harriers. 25-year-old Carl has earned a reputation as a mighty scrummager who, although primarily a tight head is able to play loose head too. His performances have earned him the nickname ‘The Beast’ throughout the league in which he has played. On his move to the Steelmen, Carl said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the coaches and supporters of Pill Harriers for everything they have done for me over the years and got me to where I am today. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to play for a great team like Ebbw Vale in the Premiership. I do feel nervous but with hard work and dedication I will show the people of Ebbw Vale the real Beast!”
Carl Sully (in black)
19 year old Dafydd Thomas joins the club having come through the Cardiff Blues development pathway. The Aberdare based flyer joins despite strong interest from other Premiership clubs. The 6ft 1” flyer was capped by Wales at U16 level and has also represented Cardiff Blues U18’s and Pontypridd.
Dafydd said, “I’m delighted to be joining a strong and famous club like Ebbw and I am looking forward to playing in the Premiership. I already know several playes at the club and know that there is a great spirit amongst the squad that helps to deliver quality performances. I can assure the Ebbw supporters that I will be giving 100% every time I pull on that famous red, green and white jersey!”
Dafydd will be joined by fellow winger, Kane Teear Bourge, a native of Rhiwbina who has signed from Bedwas, for whom his performance against Ebbw Vale on Boxing Day greatly impressed the Ebbw coaches and officials. 20 year old Kane who is 5ft 8” and 75kg will bring a high octane, stepping attacking style to Eugene Cross Park . He has previously represented Aberavon and Welsh Academicals in 15-a-side rugby and has been starring on the 7’s circuit during the summer, with the accomplished Samurais team being a beneficiary of Kane’s talents.
Kane commented on signing “I am looking forward to a new chapter in my rugby career at Ebbw Vale. I feel Ebbw’s style of play is a great fit for myself and it will be a privilege to pull the jersey on in front of what are passionate supporters. I am excited by the challenge of the coming season.”
Kane Teear Bourge Dafydd Thomas
Look out for more news about the club’s annual Open Day which will be held on July 20th.
The Annual Club Dinner and Presentation Evening will take place at The Welfare on Friday, June 28th, commencing 7pm. Tickets are £30 per person and are bookable via contacts on the poster, above.
From TAG beginners, to Regional cup champions. Come and join the fun at the Steelers at two organised Taster sessions.
Sessions open to players of all abilities, boys and girls, from school year 1 to 6.
Start the pathway to be a future Ashley Sweet!
Rugby is a game for all!
Ebbw Vale RFC have announced that Ashley Sweet will lead the side into the 2019-20 Principality Premiership campaign. Head Coach Greg Woods said, ““Ashley led the squad superbly well last year for long periods and is the right choice of leader for the up coming campaign. His experience and way he conducts himself is everything that a Premiership captain should be and his rapport with referees is excellent. He will be supported by an experienced group of core players who are all hungry for success at the club and I look forward to working with Ashley over the next season”.
Ebbw Vale have announced their first new signing with the arrival of Dan Hill. 24-year-old Dan is from Cardiff and has a reputation as a big, athletic ball carrier (he’s 6’4” and 17 stone) who is at home at 4, 6 or 8. He has played for Clifton, Guernsey, Bath A and Wales Students in recent years and is delighted to be joining the Steelmen.
“I feel honoured to be approached by a highly reputable club like Ebbw Vale who have such a big history and fan base,” said Dan. “After not playing rugby in Wales for a few years I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”
Chairman Jon Jones said, “We’re delighted to bring Dan to Eugene Cross Park. Supporters will be pleased to learn that he was recommended to us by the same source that recommended Toby Fricker.”
It may be the close season, but there’s a huge amount going on behind the scenes as the coaches and management put together the Steelmen squad for 2019-20.
It’s an obvious fact that no club at this level runs without money. The WRU payment isn’t enough and, unlike some (but exactly like most) we haven’t got a rich benefactor with seemingly bottomless pockets. What we have, though, is one of the biggest support bases in Wales and so it takes all that support to dig a little bit deeper in their wallets, purses, bank accounts and down the back of their settees to raise some cash.
The good news is that there are more ways to do this than ever before:
Sponsorship
Could you or someone you know buy into one of the whole range of sponsorship packages? Remember which club featured in more home games shown live on prime time TV last season? We did! Find out more here: http://www.evrfc.co.uk/brochure/
Friends of EVRFC
Could you make a donation? This could be a one-off or a regular payment and is a brilliant way to show support because donations don’t attract VAT so 100% goes to the club. Can you afford £5 a month? £10? If 200 of our supporters donated £10 every month, that would raise £24000. Impossible? Well, the Friends of Newport RFC were able to hand over £40000 to the Black and Ambers last season…
Karl Offers and Steve Young run The Friends of EVRFC and will gratefully accept as much as an individual’s pocket can afford!
Sort code: 30 92 97 (Lloyds Bank)
Account no: 33007968
For further information, please email clubsecretary@evrfc.co.uk.
Doing the weekly lottery
Even if sponsorship and a donation aren’t practical – and we all know that times aren’t easy financially for many of us – then £1 a week on the club lottery has to be worth a go. Details at
www.evrfc.co.uk/ebbw-to-launch-new-lottery/
Whatever you do, please do something.
Ebbw Vale RFC Squad 2019 / 20
With the last few years being extremely tough financially it has become necessary for the club to bow to financial pressures whilst considering the squad for the coming season.
The officials of the club would encourage all supporters of the club to assist in maintaining a strong club by getting involved in initiatives such as Friends of EbbwVale RFC, supporting the club lottery, assisting in raising sponsorship and volunteering to assist in anyway they can
Squad News
Departures
Club Captain Ronny Kynes after 8 seasons, 201 games and 97 tries will be departing to add his considerable experience and driving of the bus to Bargoed’s attempt to bounce back up to the Premiership at their first attempt. This was an incredibly hard decision for Ronny as he has lived red, green and white during his time at the club. His dedication to the cause has seen him play the last part of our Premiership Championship winning season with a broken jaw, this just being one example of how he has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the club. Ronny will be long remembered for his whole-hearted commitment, skill and the famous Catch n Kynes that has become so well known in Welsh rugby. 33 year old Ronny, has been Welsh Rugby Writers’ Player of the Year, Premiership top try scorer and won numerous club awards and will be greatly missed off the pitch where he has driven high standards and kept spirits high as well as on the pitch. I’m sure all will agree that Ronny will always have a place in the hearts of Ebbw Vale supporters and a warm welcome at the club
It has already been published that Rhys Jones, the top points scorer in the Principality Premiership in 2018/19 will be leaving to join league champions Merthyr RFC. This was purely a financial decision by the club and Rhys has displayed great integrity in this situation that has been difficult for both parties. All at the club wish Rhys a successful season at the Wern and he can be assured of a warm welcome at ECP.
Utility forward Rhys Clark is another who will be departing after 8 years with the club. A hugely talented forward who was equally adept in the second or back row and despite some bad luck with injuries has amassed close on 150 games for the Steelmen. Rhys joined from Penallta and had to display patience in his first 2 seasons at the club, but worked hard to force his way into the starting team where he rarely has had a bad game, Rhys is likely to join Pontypool.
Lloyd Evans will also be leaving the club to join Aberavon to cut down on the amount of travelling from his home in the Bridgend area. Lloyd brought some real excitement and skills to the back row as befits a Welsh 7’s international and will leave with fond memories of the club.
AND NOW THE GOOD NEWS
The club is delighted that the following players have committed to the club
Props
Ross Jones and Rob Severnoaks will enter their tenth season as Steelmen, and will be joined by Joel Harries, Morgan Davies and Luke Garrett
Hooker
Second Row
Lance Randall, Kristian Parker and Ashley Sweet
Back Row
Owen Young, Dawid Rubasniak, Lewis Young, Cameron Reagan
Half Backs
Dai Jones, Sam Ireland, Matthew Flanagan, Dai Langdon
Centres
Dom Franchi, Paul King
Back 3
Luke Shore, Steff Thomas, Dan Haymond
Supporters can be assured that Greg Woods and his staff are working hard to bring in new talent to the club to strengthen what is already a strong core group and that we are confident that we have the right group of players and coaching staff to keep Premiership Rugby in North Gwent
Everyone at the club was saddened to receive the following news from former player Hayden Jefferies, regarding his father, Sid.
“My father Sid Jeffreys coached Ebbw Vale for one or two seasons after Phil Gardiner was coach, which I think was 1988 – 89. He had especially fond memories of the team and supporters from his time as coach and then later on when I played for both the youth team and second team and we were both always made to feel welcome. On May 2nd Sid passed away peacefully at The Royal Gwent Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. The funeral is being held on 24th May 2019 at St Cadoc’s Church followed by a service at Gwent Crematorium at 1:30 pm. Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St Woolos Chest Clinic’s Pulmonary Fibrosis Charity c/o Tovey Bros, 9-11 Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 2EH (01633-266848).”
Our deepest sympathies go out to Sid’s family at this sad time.
The weekly lottery draws run by the club and the WRU have been suspended until further notice. We’ll let you know when they return.