Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Coaching Team
Greg Woods has announced his coaching team and all are familiar names and faces at the club. Greg is confident that the talent and passion of the new coaching team will continue the recent return to form and further improve performances during the second half of the season.
James Lewis will assume the role of Backs and Attack Coach and he will bring a fresh and innovative approach, taking his lead from several of the coaches he has played under during his 12 years in the professional game. James will also keep his playing boots available!
Ashley Sweet, who joined the coaching staff this season, will continue to coach the line out and will add the responsibility for defence to his role. Ash also hopes to return to the field before the end of the season following his recent back injury and subsequent operation.
Lewis Roberts, a former player and the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the last 5 seasons, will add the role of Skills Coach, working with the squad as agreed with the coaching team.
Squad Ins and Outs
The club has completed the signings of back row forwards, Lewis Young from Aberdare and Ben Papp from Usk RFC. Lewis rejoins the Steelmen after a few seasons at his home town club of Aberdare where he has worked his way back to fitness after an injury-interrupted first spell with Ebbw Vale. Lewis has impressed in the all 3 games that the the club has won in recent weeks.
Joining him in the back row is Ben, a former captain at Usk who is highly rated by coaching favourite Ceri Jones. He signs for the Steelmen after putting in quality performances as he has stepped up to assist when injury has struck and fully deserves the opportunity to join the club on a full time basis.
We will also see Dragon Gerrard Ellis spend time at the Steelmen as he continues his conversion from hooker to loose head prop.
Prop Ian George has left the club to join Pontypridd in pursuit of first team rugby. Ian has been unlucky with injuries this season limiting him to only a couple of games and with a fierce battle with the evergreen Ross Jones, the fast maturing Joel Harries and now Dragon Gerard Ellis, the 34 year old has decided on taking up the opportunity with Pontypridd. Ian has had a few spells with the Steelmen, always a quality performer and a popular player within the squad and with the Ebbw Addicts, we wish him well for the future and remind him he will always find a warm welcome at Eugene Cross Park.
The squad still has a few injuries. Josh Jacas undergoes an operation to remove screws from his ankle in the next week or so, and is confident of an early February return to the field of play. Open side Owen Jones is recovering from the knee injury sustained at Newport and is looking at a March return, and that month should also see Jon Davies back in the selection frame following the shoulder injury sustained at Merthyr.
Following their 16-14 defeat of holders RGC last Saturday, Ebbw Vale face a tricky visit to Bridgend in the 2nd round of the National Cup on January 27th. The Ravens knocked out Championship side Glynneath 48-0 in the first round and currently lie 14th in the Principality Premiership, having lost their only game of the second half of the season, 47-14 at at RGC.
The full draw is:
Bargoed v Rhydyfelin
Cross Keys v Bedlinog
Newport v Aberavon
Bridgend v Ebbw Vale
Cardiff v Merthyr
Pontypool v Carmarthen Quins
Llandovery v Llanelli
Beddau v Bedwas
If you ordered tickets for Wales v Scotland, Alan Gall will be distributing them before the match tomorrow’s game against RGC.
There are few spare tickets so if you’d like to buy some, please see Alan before tomorrow’s match but remember we can’t take cards so it’s cash or cheque only. Tickets are mostly priced at £80 each.
The Dragons will play Edinburgh in the Pro 14 at Eugene Cross Park on Friday, February 23rd. Full story here.
As Saturday’s match with Rygbi Gogledd Cymru is a Cup game, there are changes to the admission price structure. For non-members, the price will be as it always is: £12 adult, £8 concessions with Under 16s going in free if accompanied by an adult.
VPs will have free access, adult members will pay £7, and concessions members, £4. Please note that these reduced prices are only available at the special turnstile at the main gate and season tickets must be produced.
Please also note that we have agreed to a request from our friends at Newport RFC to rearrange the fixture originally scheduled for February 3rd, which clashes with the Wales v Scotland match. Although thoughts were to play on the Friday evening, the Dragons have a fixture at Rodney Parade then, so our game will take place on Sunday, February 4th, kicking off at 2:30pm.
Roy Lewis pays tribute to Keith Westwood who died this week:
“The passing of Keith Westwood who played with distinction for Ebbw Vale in the sixties, and went on to become club coach, has saddened those who played with him or had the pleasure of watching him. He joined us from Newbridge, as did his brother-in-law Ray Knott who sadly died not long ago. With Ray in the centre and Keith at full-back or wing, we had an attack of the highest quality.
The sixties were great years for the Ebbw Vale and Newbridge clubs who shared the same policy to play fast, exciting rugby. The game in the Western Valley had continued through the Second World War years when the steelworks and the collieries produced essential material. When it ended, regular fixtures attracted huge crowds and both clubs thrived on and off the field.
Keith was a key figure in an Ebbw team that, in seasons following the war, were Welsh champions on four occasions and known for the speed of the pack and the adventurous style of a back division that was a joy to watch.
Horace Matthews who, after great years as player became a member of the club committee at a time when the Western Valley was throbbing with clubs, and full of wonderful players, said, “Keith was an outstanding player and clubman and it was a privilege to know him and watch him play.”
Allan Foster remembers the keen but always exciting games with Newbridge at a time when Monmouthshire derbies attracted thousands of spectators. “Keith excelled at full-back or wing and, in the time he was with us, he was highly rated as a player, and was an exceptionally nice man.”
The Club sends deepest condolences to the family of Keith who, on or off the field, brightened our lives: a fine player, a great character and one who will never be forgotten.”
Chairman Jon Jones is delighted to announce that Greg Woods will be joining the Steelmen as Head Coach and will take up his role on January 8th.
Jones said “ We were delighted that a coach of Greg’s standing put himself forward for the role and as a man with superb experience in Premiership and Gwent rugby we felt that he was the ideal person to reverse the fall in performance and return the club to the top end of the Premiership. With over 500 games in the Premiership, creating highly competitive teams , a National Cup Winner and B&I Finalist Greg will bring a clear focus and the experience required for the task in hand. Out of respect for Greg’s 15 years at Cross Keys we have agreed to a handover period that takes the clubs through to the next break in the season.
The remainder of Greg’s coaching team will be identified in the next week or so
In the meantime I would like to thank the WRU and Dragons for allowing members of the coaching staff to take us through this period, giving the club the space to ensure it took a measured approach to the coaching team appointments
I’m sure Greg can expect a warm Ebbw Addicts welcome as he takes up his new post.”
The club shop will be open from 6pm until 9pm this Thursday 21st of December for all your last minute, Steelmen-related Christmas purchases.
It is with much sadness that we have heard of the sudden passing of Steelmen supporter Ruth Sheppard (December 3rd).
Ruth had been a committed Ebbw Addict for years and was regularly seen alongside her father Gary until his passing in early 2016. Together they played a big part in sprucing up the ground ahead of our Premiership return as well as following the team everywhere. A huge smile has left our ranks and our thoughts are with her husband Adrian, and children Jess and Dan.
Ruth’s funeral will take place St George’s Church, Tredegar at 1pm on Friday, December 15th. This will be followed by cremation at Llwydcoed, Aberdare at 2pm and a get together at The Welfare, EVRFC afterwards.
Statement from Lee Davies
It is with great regret that I announce that Ben and I have decided to step down from our roles as coaches at Ebbw Vale RFC. This wasn’t a decision we took lightly, however when we weighed up our options we felt the club and players weren’t moving forward under our guidance. It took honesty from players and staff to identify this and we thank everyone for their honesty.
As a group we have felt a substantial amount of pain over the past three months, and we feel we have exhausted many avenues aiming to move us forward as a coaching and playing group. To prepare for a Saturday game takes hours of analysis, planning and delivering. So I thank all for their input.
With both of us heading up rugby programmes in successful college and university academies, we have decided to take some time out and concentrate on these pathways. This will also give us time to reflect and learn from the experience and spend some much needed time with our young families.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club for their support and efforts over the past 18 months. The club is evidently in a huge transitional process and I urge everyone to be patient; it will take time and I am sure former glory will be restored.
Finally on a personal level I will always hold the club in a fond place, having spent time there as a player and now granted a shorter period than planned as a coach.
Those who have supported us, once again thank you. Best of luck for the rest of the season, and more importantly next season when it counts!
Chairman Jon Jones has added the following
It is with a heavy heart that I have agreed this course of action with Lee and Ben as the best for the club and them as individuals. They are men of integrity and honesty and are also extremely hard working and passionate in what they do. Both are quality young coaches and I am sure that they will learn from the experience and go on to success in the future careers. Both Lee and Ben will always be welcome at the club and I look forward to seeing them do well in the future.
I personally will reflect on what all at the club and particularly I could have done to prevent this end result and work hard to ensure we learn from it and come back stronger and better equipped to return the club to the position we all desire
The club has begun its search for a new coaching set up and will update you all as we move forward.
EVRFC Update 16/11/17
SURVEY – The review that will provide recommendations on the future of Premiership rugby is well underway with proposals for consideration expected before Christmas. The survey is our/your chance to influence this and we urge everyone to take the time to complete it.
We were among the clubs highlighted for the positive engagement of supporters and players in the survey process at the Premier Division Clubs meeting (14/11/17), reflecting the passion we have at EVRFC.
It was mentioned there were a significant proportion of ‘incomplete’ surveys received (across all responses, not specifically EVRFC) so if you need to complete another one, please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WRUClubSurvey
‘A’LICENCE – It’s worth recognising another successful ‘A licence’ accreditation for EVRFC. This doesn’t happen automatically and involves a lot of work by back room staff and volunteers, in particular Alan Gall. (Big thanks to Al!)
CARDIFF – The following week we play Cardiff at home, this will be on the Sat (25/11/17) with a 12 noon ko.
MERTHYR – Our game at Merthyr will now kick off at 7:15pm on Friday 01/12/17.
The Addicts will be taking orders for EVRFC merchandise for Christmas as stock is limited. Children’s shirts start at size 26 inches and go up in 2 inch sizes. They will start taking orders from Saturday at the home game against Bargoed.
Please note the following fixture changes:
Ebbw Vale v Cross Keys, Friday November 10th, 7:15 ko.
Newport v Ebbw Vale, Sunday November 19th, 2:30 ko.
Here is the latest news concerning departures from and arrivals to the Ebbw Vale squad, courtesy of Jonathan Jones.
Squad Update
The following players have left the club in the last few weeks.
Gavin Bilton has been released following a lack of attendance at training that struggled to hit the 20% mark and did not allow him to gain the necessary fitness to play at Premiership level.
Andrew Mann has decided to take a year off rugby for personal reasons but we hope to see him again in the future having made a good impression in pre season.
Josh Jacas has rejoined the club and has accepted the strict regime put in place by the coaches that all are sure will allow him to display his undoubted talent for the Steelmen in the season to come. Josh had sustained an ankle injury at the end of last season and will be ready for selection for the next game, with a late decision ruling him out last weekend
Academy Allocation
The club can confirm that Jared Rosser, Will Talbot-Davies and Max Williams will again be allocated to Ebbw Vale for this season. We have not yet seen Jared and Max in Ebbw colours as they have made an early impression on new Dragons Head Coach Bernard Jackman.
They will be joined by new faces Tom Hoppe, an 18 year old centre who impressed in the Plate 7’s victory squad an the end of the summer, and was with Wales U18’s in South Africa during late summer. The second new face is 18 year old scrum half Dan Babos who is tipped for a big future but, unfortunately, has a hamstring injury at the moment.
Ebbw Fawr product Dawid Rubasniak, who made a good impression in several appearances last season, will play his rugby at Cardiff Met this season in order to gain more game time.
Injury Update
Elis Wyn Benham is very close to putting on the Steelmen shirt after working diligently with Rhys Shorney to overcome an ongoing hamstring strain. He is expected to be available for selection within weeks.
With that good news comes the bad news that prop Dean Brooker has likely sustained an ACL injury which, if confirmed, will rule him out for the season.
The club continues to look at options for filling the gaps that the early changes have produced in the squad.
Our fantastic club doctor, Rhys Thomas, has just completed The Barcelona Ironman, consisting of 1.5 hours swimming, 180 km cycling and, for good measure, a Marathon run to finish. His total time was a staggering 12hr 26min.
Congratulations from everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC.
After Saturday’s home fixture with Merthyr, there’ll be an opportunity for supporters to meet the players and coaches at a Q&A session in the Scrum Bar, starting at 5:30.
Also, there will be a past players’ reunion for veterans of the 1980s, organised by former outside half/full back Gary Lawrence.
TVR are pleased to announce that they are extending their sponsorship of Ebbw Vale RFC for a second season as primary sponsor.
Just last week the public launch of the new TVR model was held at the Goodwood Revival, where the car was unveiled for the first time to the press and public to great acclaim.
Commenting on the news, John Chasey, Operations Director said, “It is our pleasure to continue our sponsorship of Ebbw Vale RFC for a second year and we wish them well in the season ahead.”
Steelmen Chairman, Jon Jones is delighted at the continued sponsorship of such a prestigious brand and what will shortly become an anchor employer in Ebbw Vale.
More details on the new TVR model which will be built in Ebbw Vale can be found on www.tvr.co.uk
“We are saddened to hear that Ebbw Vale supporter Colin Herridge passed away last week from the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident a couple of days earlier. Colin was a popular ‘Addict’ and Steelmen supporter who will be very much missed by all of us. We send our condolences to his family.”
The funeral is 10am Friday 22nd at St. David’s Church, Carmeltown, Beaufort, returning to the Welfare, EVRFC, afterwards.
Ian James
Ebbw Vale RFC – Hon. Secretary
You can buy / collect season tickets this Thursday, August 31st, between 6 and 7pm from the clubhouse. Please remember we can’t take card payments so it’s cash, cheques or standing orders only. When the tickets are collected, those people with an existing standing order will receive a form to enable them to alter it to the new amount. Anyone wanting to create a new standing order can download the form from the season tickets page, or collect the form when the ticket is purchased.
We will be looking for mascots for all games during the 2017/18 season.
If you have a child who would be interested in walking out as mascot with the Ebbw Vale team on match day, please send an email to:
with your name, child’s name and contact details.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
We’ve recently launched a weekly lottery to raise funds for our club. The weekly draw will be held every Saturday. Your support will raise much needed financial support to grow our club.
The lottery will be run by the Ebbw Addicts and will help support Ebbw Vale RFC and the wider community.
Be in with a chance of winning the weekly jackpot.
Prizes up for grabs every Saturday
Match 6 numbers – win £25,000
Match 5 numbers – win £1,000
Match 4 numbers – win £100
Match 3 numbers – win £10
Second Chance Super Draw
If you are a regular player you’ll be entered into our Super Draw each month. Match 6 numbers to win £25,000 for you AND £25,000 for our club.
Monthly Bonus Draw
Every month you will also be entered into a Bonus Draw to win a special bonus prize including an indulgent short break for two in a choice of UK locations.
To play, follow these simple instructions;
1. Visit https://www.i-giv.org/ebbw-addicts/
2. Click on the PLAY NOW button
3. Enter how many tickets you would like to play each week in the entries box
4. Fill in the payment form.
5. You will receive a email confirmation with your lottery ticket and number/s
The more people we sign up, the more our club benefits.
Ebbw Vale will now play their first home league game of the new season, against Pontypridd, on Friday, September 1st kicking off at 7:30pm, rather than the original date of Saturday, September 2nd. This is to avoid a clash with Ebbw Vale Cricket Club.
We were all saddened by the news that Ray Knott, an outstanding centre three-quarter for Ebbw Vale in the 1950s and 60s, has passed away. We send our deepest sympathies to Ray’s family.
Roy Lewis recalls tha, in February 1957, a combined Ebbw Vale and Newbridge side played and defeated the South African Universities and, representing Newbridge, Ray partnered our Graham Powell in the centre. Not long after that he joined us and was a reserve in the conbined Ebbw Vale and Abertillery team that played the Springboks at Ebbw on 29th November 1960. On both occasions he was described in the programmes as a colliery worker.
The funeral service is at Newbridge Catholic Church, Ashfield Road, Newbridge on Friday 25 August at 11.15. Service at Croesyceiliog Crematorium is at 1230.
Several law changes come into effect in the northern hemisphere from August 1st.
- Law 20.5 and 20.6 (d) Throwing the ball into the scrumNo signal from Referee. The scrum half must throw the ball in straight, but is allowed to align his shoulder on the middle line of the scrum, therefore allowing him to stand a shoulder width towards his side of the middle line.
- Law 20.9 (b) Handling in the scrum – exceptionAllow the No 8 to pick the ball from the feet of the 2nd Rows.
- Law 20 Striking after the throw-inOnce the ball touches the ground in the tunnel, any front row player may use either foot to try to win possession of the ball. One player from the team who put the ball in must strike for the ball. Sanction: Free Kick
- Amended Law 15.4 (c)The tackler must get up before playing the ball and then can only play from his side of the tackle gate.
- Law16:Breakdown Amended Ruck LawA ruck commences when at least one player is on their feet and over the ball which is on the ground (tackled player, tackler). At this point the offside line is created. A player on his feet may use his hands to pick up the ball as long as this is immediate. As soon as an opposition player arrives no hands can be used.
- Law 16.4: Other Ruck OffencesA player must not kick the ball out of a ruck. The player can only hook it in a backwards motion. Sanction: Penalty Kick
You can download a copy for yourself here. 170712 CL EXCO Decision – LRG EN