Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby

Here’s the last in the series of off-season squad updates, but there are sure to be more to come as the summer wears on. We’ll keep you posted!

Ronny “showbiz” Kynes will start his 6^th season as a Steelman and will have kept fit in the summer polishing the numerous awards he won: Welsh Rugby Writers’ Premiership Player of the Year, Premiership Top Try scorer and Supporters’ Player of the Year at Ebbw Vale. Ronny gained a large amount of publicity for the tries scored, and gave interviews with great humour and the honesty to praise those around him in the team. His 19 tries are a Welsh Premiership record and he has passed 70 tries for the club in 130 appearances, which is a phenomenal record! It is great news that the fans will once again be able to see the famous Catch‘n’ Kynes (© our webmaster, not Phil Steele!) in the coming season. As well as his driving skills Ronny is a quality 7 winning many turnovers and creating unrest in the opposition back line. Equally importantly, he is one of the key players in setting the standards amongst the playing squad.

The quiet man of the Back Row Ethan Doyle will also be back for his second season with the Steelmen. Many consider him unlucky not to have played more games in his first season with his hard grafting, carrying and pace winning many admirers amongst the Steelmen faithful.

Here is the latest installment of news about the Steelmen squad for the forthcoming Principality Premiersship season. And there’ll be more here on Friday evening!

Dan Haymond, Chris Levesley and Ryan Gardner all return for the coming season.

RTB product Ryan, fresh from winning Premiership Try of the Season, made a great early season impression before a freak finger injury sustained at Pontypridd at the end of October required an operation keeping him out of action for 10 weeks. With players in form he found his opportunities limited but did put in an impressive 15 minutes in the play off semi final at Llandovery with his pace helping the Steelmen hold out against the rapid Drovers back division. As the fastest man in the squad, it is anticipated that the 21 year old will press strongly for a starting slot.

The diminutive Chris Levesley will return for a second season and will again thrill and bemuse supporters with his footwork and strength. An exciting player he will be looking for an injury free season as a number of niggles limited his game time last year in the 15 or wing shirts.

Abergavenny product Dan Haymond will start his sixth season at the club and will be fresh from making a major impression in the play off games. His searing 60 metre break at Llandovery created a wonderful try that ultimately proved the difference between the sides. Dan also ran in an 80metrer try in the final, displaying great pace and a potential future career in acting as he executed a swallow dive for the try without taking his eyes off the waiting camera. Dan has a been a loyal and valuable member of the Steelmen over the last five seasons and all are delighted that he remains to fight for the 15 shirt.

As the clock ticks down towards the start of pre-season training, here is the latest release regarding the club’s squad. This time, we’re back in mid-field with three firm favourites.

The rock like centre pairing of Adam Jones and Nathan Preece will be harnessed again in the coming season. Brynmawr native Nathan worked tirelessly to overcome a serious hamstring injury that sidelined him at the end of the previous season and the start of last season. With a full pre-season, he will look to recapture the robust form he displayed once returning to the team.

Adam will also look to get a strong pre-season in after suffering a recurrent groin injury. Supporters will long remember his Man of the Match performance in the thrilling televised home encounter with Aberavon that enabled Ebbw Vale to reach the play offs. Adam also revealed a hidden talent in the last few weeks of the season, his ability to speak Welsh delighting the S4C crew, as well as the growing Welsh-speaking community in North Gwent!

Outside Half Dai Langdon returns for his third season in his second spell at the club where he first played as a 17-year-old, and will provide a major obstacle to the returning Josh Lewis in gaining the 10 shirt. Dai, a native of Brynmawr, will combine his rugby whilst studying to become a teacher at Swansea University. He will look to build on his impressive end of season form where he expertly guided the Steelmen with his kicking and passing game.

A wise man once said, “The off-season in rugby is a bit like Heathrow Airport: there are departures as well as arrivals.” We are announcing some of the former today as two players have ended a one-year spell at the Steelmen, for non-rugby related reasons, and one takes a break after two seasons.

David Williams will return to his home in Leicester and look to start university and be closer to family and his girlfriend. David, who won the coveted Man Of Steel award, will be missed for his work rate, immense ability in the air and finishing prowess. David scored 7 tries, 3 coming against his Dad’s hometown club of Pontypridd. He will be missed by players and staff at the club, as a man who could be relied on in all circumstances. David played in every league game apart from the early season hammering at Llandovery.

Luke Crocker will ply his trade at the Cardiff club following a season interrupted by Wales 7s call-ups. Luke, a native of the capital city will rejoin his – and our – old coach, Duane Goodfield, at the Arms Park, the catalyst for this being that he has gained a position within the Blues community rugby department. The club would like to thank Luke for his efforts and look forward to seeing him next season

Rhys Francis who suffered a very serious knee injury in November will sit out the 16/17 season. Rhys would have been able to return around the December period but, having had to delay his university course for a year due to the injury sustained, will concentrate on qualifying as a teacher. The club looks forward to seeing the Tredegar based product of Cardiff Met return in season 17/18.

Here is the latest round of EVRFC signings ahead of the 2016-17 Premiership season. The sharper among you will have spotted that we’re doing this every couple of days, and that’s the plan for the remainder of the close season, until the squad is completed. Stay tuned!

“The Pitmen” is the nickname of the excellent rugby nursery that is Penallta RFC and their products, Rhys Clarke and Chris Thomas, will enter their 4th season as Steelmen. The third former Pitman, Lloyd Bridges, is entering his first full season with Ebbw Vale having joined mid way through last season.

The last season saw a real breakthrough by the talented back five forward Rhys Clarke. The Players’ Player of the Year nailed down the number 6 jersey with some hugely energetic and skilled performances. Rhys also put in a number of high quality performances in the 4 and 5 shirts and will go through the 100-appearance barrier in the coming season to gain his club cap. This form attracted a number of suitors but Rhys has remained loyal to the Steelmen.

Chris Thomas is another who will break the 100-appearance barrier to gain a coveted club cap and will be looking to build on his success of last season. The scrum half provided a razor sharp service to the outside backs and kept back rows honest with his eye for the gap and blistering acceleration. No one will forget his brilliant last-ditch tackle in the Premiership semi-final at Church Bank, turning the much bigger Llandovery centre over as he crossed the line, a tackle that proved both match-winning and title-winning!

Lloyd Bridges is highly rated by departed forwards coach Ceri Jones, a man who knows what it takes to play prop. Lloyd is expected to challenge strongly for the tight head role in the coming season, but is equally comfortable on the loose head of the scrum. He has also proved himself to have a great attitude, working hard in training and pushing the more experienced players for a place.

Here is the latest news on our squad for what promises to be an exciting season, with visits to Bargoed, Colwyn Bay, Merthyr and Swansea to add to the Addicts’ itinerary. There’ll be more to come on Wednesday evening, so stay tuned!

The club is delighted that the remaining members of our mighty front 5 are all signed up as Steelmen for the coming season.

The highly experienced Gethin Robinson enters his third year at Eugene Cross Park and he will be joined by Ian George who enters his second season in a third spell at loose head prop.

They will be joined by boiler house duo Josh Jacas and Joe Bartlett who both added their talents at crucial times in the Steelmen’s last campaign.

Josh attracted rave reviews starring for Newbridge after returning from a frustrating injury that took two operations and 12 months to return to the field. His pace and size was put to good use in the play off final where his cameo appearance at 6 underlined his potential in the back 5. Joe Bartlett will once again provide reliable and skilled back up to Damian Hudd, a situation he manages very well. With a strong pre season he could well challenge for a starting role.

Here is the latest news on our signings for season 2016-17.

Our aim is to keep supporters up-to-date with all the news that’s fit to print during the close season., starting with all the signings as they’re made available to the website. We’ll post something new every couple of days, at 6 pm, so make sure you keep checking in!

The return of Josh Lewis from the Scarlets will worry all opposing back rows in the Premiership in the coming season. Josh was a prolific point and try scorer for the Steelmen in the title winning team during the first year of the Championship, a feat he maintained in the Premiership for Llanelli.

The signing of Josh is a major statement of intent by the Steelmen amidst competition from numerous Premiership clubs for his signature once it was clear he would be released by the Scarlets at the end of the season. Having suffered a knee injury and somewhat suprisingly not getting opportunities at Regional level he will be returning to semi pro rugby at the club where, he openly says, he has most enjoyed playing.

Josh will add his undoubted talents and a professional edge to the back line should he overcome what is always strong competition for the shirt!

Here is the latest news on our signings for season 2016-17.

Our aim is to keep supporters up-to-date with all the news that’s fit to print during the close season., starting with all the signings as they’re made available to the website. We’ll post something new every couple of days, at 6 pm, so make sure you keep checking in!

The Franchi twins, products of RTB Ebbw Vale, Dom and Joe, will once again share the team’s colours this coming season. Dom made a huge impression with his powerful tackling and hard carrying approach prior to a season ending knee injury in the away game at Pontypridd at the end of October. His recovery is progressing well and he is on target to return to action in early October.

Joe really pushed hard for the hooker position during the last season, his powerful carrying and ability to jackal was a potent weapon off the bench or as a starter. He has also played a major role in the dominance of our set piece, with strong scrummaging and accurate throwing into the line to launch the formidable driving line out.

More to come on Friday evening at 6pm.

The answer? The number of years five front 5 forwards will have amassed in the Steelmen colours, by the end of next season. Ross Jones, Robert Sevenoaks, the 2015-16 Premiership Player of the Season Damien Hudd, and Ashley Sweet all enter their 7th consecutive season with the club, whilst supporters’ favourite, hooker Mathew “Chunky“ Williams, enters his 14th season at Eugene Cross Park as he closes in on 300 appearances.

All of the above have been key elements of our success on the field and in setting the right environment off the field, and we are delighted that they have signed up for 2016-17.

(Without being too pedantic, mathematically, both Damien and Ross had previous spells with the Steelmen!)

Wales have been forced to make a late change to their squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship which kicks off in Manchester next Tuesday with an eagerly awaited clash against Ireland.

A hamstring injury sustained in training by winger George Gasson has ruled him out of the tournament. He is replaced by Ebbw Vale teenager Jared Rosser.

The talented Rosser made his debut for the Steelmen as a then 17-year-old this season. He scored the decisive try in their Principality Premiership Play-off semi-final victory against Llandovery and also went on to be a member of the victorious Ebbw Vale side which swept aside Pontypridd in the Premiership final at Sardis Road.

Wales U20 team manager Mark Taylor, said: “It’s obviously disappointing to lose a player of George’s ability so close to the tournament but Jared is now given an opportunity and his selection is reward after a fine season with Ebbw Vale.”

Wales take on Ireland, Georgia and New Zealand in Pool A of the global tournament, with Six Nations opponents Ireland first up at the Manchester City Academy Stadium (5.30).

An Ebbw Vale spokesman added: “All at the club are delighted for Jared, it is a major achievement to make the U20’s World Cup for someone who has only recently turned 18.

“It is reward for the hard work he has put in and the coaches at Ebbw Vale have been delighted with his progress on the field and his attitude and behaviour off it. This is a credit to himself, his family and the Dragons Academy.”

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to see that the excellent work of the Steelmen’s forwards coach has been recognised with his appointment as forwards coach at the Dragons

Chairman Jonathan Jones was keen to praise the work of Ceri during his 18 months at Eugene Cross Park, culminating in recently winning the Principality Premiership, stating, “The professionalism and expertise brought with him has been a key part of our continued development over the recent seasons making our forwards the most feared in the semi professional game in Wales. As befits his farming background Ceri’s appetite for hard work at the club has been immense as he combined his role with a demanding Acadeny position at Worcester warriors RFC. Ceri’s appointment has been made in full consultation with Ebbw Vale and we are sure that he, a man steeped in Gwent rugby through his own playing career and his father’s who starred for both Ebbw Vale and Newport will go on to be a success in his new role adding ‘steel’ to the region’s forward platform. We thank him for his contribution to our success and look forward to working with him in his new role in the coming seasons.”

Jones also noted that following the signing of Carl Meyer last season from the Steelmen, the movement of a coach to the regions shows that the pathway exists both on and off the field, this fitting perfectly with the strategic intent of the Principality Premiership

Ebbw Vale RFC have in the last few years seen coaches gain positions in Regions and in the Welsh Age Grade coaching structure and will look to appoint a replacement in the coming weeks. Jones said, “Having seen Jason Strange, Geraint Lewis and Duane Goodfield move up the coaching ladder, it would be fair to say that the club has become the pre-eminent coach academy in Wales. The search for replacement coaches is one that we are well versed in, and Nigel Davies and I will look to ensure that we once again bring in the correct person to continue the development of the club.”

It was a great night for Ebbw Vale RFC at the Principality Premiership Awards on Monday.

Ronny Kynes was announced as ‘Top Try Scorer’ with an amazing 19 touchdowns.
Ryan Gardner won the ‘Try of the Season’ vote for his scintillating finish against Cross Keys.
Damien Hudd, our own Captain Fantastic, was voted Player of the Year.

Ronny Kynes has been named as the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Association’s “Premiership Player of the Year” for 2015-16. Beating off fierce competition from 12 other Premiership regulars, Ronny took the top prize, ahead of Llandovery’s Rhodri Davies. Everyone associated with Ebbw Vale RFC send warmest congratulations to the only current player in Wales to have a move named after him!

Ronny will receive his award at the 42nd annual dinner of the Welsh Rugby Writers, at Cardiff RFC on Thursday, September 1. He’ll be in the company of another back row forward with strong links to Eugene Cross Park, as Taulupe Faletau will be presented with the award for Welsh Player of the Year.

Hot on the heels of the above announcement comes the news that Ronny has also been named as Principality Premiership Player of the Month for April.
Ronny, a cult hero at Eugene Cross Park for his energy, work-rate all around the park and ‘Catch and Kynes’ move, has been turning heads all season, and particularly since the New Year. His performances in March helped Ebbw clinch three out of three league wins, and with two more wins in April they grabbed the third place position. Ronny puts the Steelmen’s consistency down to the togetherness in the squad built up over the last five or six years.
“There’s a brilliant environment at Ebbw Vale. I’ve been here five years and we have a consistent squad in training week in week out. Jason (Strange) did a lot of good work and Nigel (Davies) has done a great job since coming in last year too.
“I have to thank the forwards for doing all the hard work, I just take the glory when it comes to the ‘Catch and Kynes’ scores!
“We never doubted we could do well in the Premiership. Last year was a fantastic achievement to reach the final and we wanted to go one better this year and win. We left it late but luckily we found some consistency in the last couple of months and made the play-offs.
“Sunday will be tough at Llandovery, especially after they’ve won the Cup last week but we’re looking forward to it all the same.”
Natalie Stevens, Principality Building Society’s Ebbw Vale branch manager, said: “Ronny has had a great season for Ebbw Vale, helping them to another strong season in the Principality Premiership. He has scored some fantastic tries and we wish him and Ebbw Vale all the best for next season.”

Ronny Kynes factfile

Born: 18.8.86, Caerphilly
Club: Ebbw Vale
Position: Flanker
Education: New Tredegar Primary, Rhymney Comprehensive
First club: New Tredegar juniors and youth, first senior rugby at Tredegar before signing at Ebbw Vale
Occupation: Bricklayer
Inspiration: My father Billy ‘Irish’ Kynes. My parents have always supported my sport from the age of five or six, they still come to every game now and have kept me on the straight and narrow
Most admired rugby player: Richie McCaw
Most admired sportsperson: David Beckham

Damien Hudd’s red card, given late in the game at Bedwas on March 26th, has been overturned. Damien’s hearing took place at the WRU on Tuesday evening and the decision means that he is available for the Steelmen’s last league game of the season, at home to Aberavon on Sunday afternoon (5:15 ko).