Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
As the Steelmen look ahead to the new season, we caught up with Jason Strange to find out about how the pre-season has gone.
Jason said, “We have come a long way in a short amount of time as a team and club. It’s about progression and being patient. The club’s business model and team go hand in hand, both need to be successful.”
On the playing front Jason and the coaching staff are really pleased with the squad that has been assembled.
Jason added, “Really excited about the potential of this season’s squad, there are lots of similarities with past teams which have been very successful here. We have a clear vision of what type of club we want to be, one part is for the team to be consistently competing for trophies and another is to have a connection to our community and supporters.”
Looking ahead, Jason commented,
“Like any successful project there will be challenges along the way and takes time. I am confident and excited because we have a clear plan with everyone on and off the field going in the same direction.”
The Steelmen return to action in the Indigo Premiership on Sunday 3rd September against Merthyr RFC at the Wern.
Coaching Set-Up 2023/24
Ebbw Vale RFC are pleased to announce the coaching setup for the new season.
Jason Strange, who has made such an impact at the club on and off the field since his return 18 months ago, will continue as head coach in 2023/24.
He will continue to work alongside Steve Lang (Assistant Coach), Aaron Coundley (Forwards Coach) and Nicky Strange (Strength and Conditioning Coach) who all played an important part in the team’s improved performance on the field last season.
Joining the set-up in an advisory capacity will be Mostyn Richards. The former WRU Elite Performance Manager will be working as a learning coordinator at the club with a focus on coach development and support.
Former player Dan Haymond will continue to be team manager and will be assisted by Doug Taylor in all team matters.
Joining the medical team will be new head physio Geraint Evans, who will work alongside the returning Alan Hancock. Rhys Thomas will remain as the club doctor.
Supporting the squad will be the backroom team of Ron Taylor (Kit Manager), Dilwyn Snelgrove and Ashley Margetson. Joining the team will be Andrew Phillips who will be focusing on press and social media content.
Matthew ‘Chunky’ Williams will continue as Head Coach of the Ebbw Vale Youth team working closely with senior coaches to provide a clear route and continuity for young players coming through as part of the Steelmen’s Premiership Pathway programme. He will be assisted by Richard Brown in the coaching of the youth team.
Young club reporter, Alex Kinsella-Evans recently caught up with Ebbw Vale co-captain Joe Franchi, to discuss how the pre-season has gone and the ambitions for the upcoming season.
Joe believes pre-season training has been productive, as most of the squad have been retained from last season. As a result, the squad have been a few weeks ahead of where they would normally have been as they already understand the structure in attack and defence. Skills and Conditioning coach Nicky Strange has been working all the boys really hard too, so the squad`s fitness is looking really good across the park.
Discussing the new additions, Joe stated they had fitted in well. The squad held a social gathering after the Clifton game, which was a good way for the new boys to come out of their shell.
Joe added Jason expects the team to play on a Saturday in the same way that they have practiced through the week. He demands high standards of all the boys on and off the pitch, which is a necessity at this level if we want to be successful.
Reviewing the two pre-season friendlies played, Joe believed they were two good hit outs. The Newbridge game was tough with having to adjust to the new tackle height law and playing in terrible weather conditions. Clifton was a good test, and it was pleasing to see the set piece was dominant in both games which gives them a lot of confidence going into the new season.
When looking at areas of improvement, Joe added the team always look to improve all facets of their game. They do not want to become complacent in anything. A big emphasis has been put into the driving maul this year, which they intend to use as a real weapon this season.
Finally, Joe informed everyone at the club is ambitious and wants to be competing for silverware every year and this year is no different, the squad want to win trophies.
Written by: Alexandria Kinsella-Evans
Ebbw Vale RFC return to action against Merthyr RFC on Sunday at the Wern when they start their campaign in the Indigo Premiership.
The squad shows a good mix of youth and experience with captain Joe Franchi making his 168th appearance for the club while 18 year old former Steeler Youth product Harry Rees-Weldon makes his debut on the wing.
Summer signings Ewan Bowden and Rory Harries are selected in the match day squad while Morgan Davies and Cameron Regan return for the Steelmen having rejoined the club in the summer.
The full team is:
15. Evan Lloyd 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Kieran Meek 9 Jon Evans
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (CAPT) 3 Morgan Davies 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Chad Thomas 7 Gethin Williams 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Rhys Francis 17 Charley Kearns 18 Harry Drane 19 Jakub Malecki 20 Cameron Regan 21 Rory Harries 22 Amir Jiwa-Walji 23 Morgan Richards
Ebbw Vale RFC, in conjunction with official kit supplier SCIMITAR, are delighted to launch their home and away kit for the 2023/24 season.
More details on how and where you can purchase the shirts will follow shortly.
#FeelTheSteel #BreakBoundaries
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that four Dragon Academy players will be part of the Steelmen squad during the 2023/24 season. The four players are winger Harry Rees-Weldon, centre Cameron Davies, prop Morgan Williams and back rower Kobi Rees.
Harry is well-known to the Addicts, having been part of the Steelers Youth team last season who also went onto represent Wales U18s against Scotland and England.
Morgan, Cameron and Kobi were all part of the Dragons U18s squad which won the Regional Age Grade Championship in 2022 with Morgan and Cameron also representing Wales U18s at the Six Nations Festival in 2022.
All four players are local and from North Gwent which fits in with the club’s vision to develop young local players with Morgan coming through a strong Newbridge pathway, Kobi Rees being developed really well by Blackwood Youth and Cameron being from Tredegar and playing his rugby for a successful Cross Keys College team.
Jason Strange commented, “All of the players have really bought into the values and team culture here at Ebbw Vale and have fitted in really well with the squad. We have been delighted with their commitment, they have not missed one training session during pre-season even when they have been injured.
We have had regular communication with the Dragons Academy staff on the best development for the players and hopefully this collaborative joined up approach between the club and region will enable the players to fulfil their future playing aspirations.”
Merthyr RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
On Sunday 3rd September, the Steelmen travel to Merthyr RFC for the opening round of the Indigo Premiership at the Wern, with a 2.30pm kick off.
The Steelmen are looking to take their good pre-season form into the match in what should be a highly entertaining encounter.
Ebbw Addicts Information
The Addicts will be providing transport to the match against Merthyr RFC on Sunday and will be leaving the Welfare at 1.30pm. Contact Adders or Tracy to book your seats on the bus. (See Addicts page for contact details)
After the match, the Addicts will stay at Merthyr Rugby Club to enjoy a few drinks before returning to the Welfare at 5.30pm
For Ebbw supporters making their own way to the match, the address for Merthyr RFC is: Merthyr Rugby Club, Wern Sports Park, CF48 1AG
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the return of prop Morgan Davies for his second spell with the Steelmen. Morgan, a local product, has signed from Brynmawr RFC, and has previously played for Beaufort RFC.
On returning to the Steelmen, Morgan stated, “I am delighted and privileged to be back in the Ebbw colours. It’s always an honour to pull on that jersey and hopefully will have some good outings this season. Looking forward to getting back amongst it and seeing the fans on the bank.”
Merthyr RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
The above fixture will now take place on Sunday 3rd September at the Wern with a 2.30pm kick off due to issue with ground availability on the original date.
#SupportThe Steelmen #FeelTheSteel
Clifton RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
On Saturday, Ebbw Vale RFC travel over the Severn Bridge to play Clifton RFC in our second pre-season friendly with a 2.30pm kick off.
The Steelmen return to Clifton having played a pre-season friendly there last year as part of a triangular series also featuring Tonbridge RFC.
Clifton RFC are currently playing in National League 2 West.
Ebbw Addicts Information
The Addicts bus is full for the trip to Clifton RFC on Saturday and is leaving the Welfare at 11.00am. The Welfare will be open for breakfast from 9.00am for anyone who would like some food 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. 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 season tickets are now on sale for the 2023/24 season.
There are a number of different season ticket options from a Standard Season Ticket through to a Platinum VP. As well as the usual categories there is a new family ticket (for a family of 4) at £200 and a young adult ticket at £40 (for Under 23s)
All season ticket details can be purchases at this link: Season Tickets | EVRFC
Also, this year, your season tickets will earn you a 10% discount at the following:
10% off at Family Kebab, Market Street, Ebbw Vale
10% off at Vally Spice, Church Street, Ebbw Vale
10% of fine fragrances at Shackleton’s Chemists
Supporters can collect season tickets this evening between 6.45pm and 8.00pm and then at the following times below:
Tuesday 22nd August 6.45pm to 8.00pm
Thursday 24th August 6.45pm to 8.00pm
Tuesday 29th August 6.45pm to 8.00pm
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of scrum half, Rory Harries from Pontypridd RFC. Rory has previously played for Cardiff RFC and Bedwas RFC.
Rory has also played age grade rugby for the Blues (u16’s and U18s), as well as representing Welsh Students.
On signing for Ebbw Vale RFC Rory commented. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent such a prestigious club and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Ebbw Vale RFC are sorry to announce that Matt Flanagan has decided to step down from the Steelmen squad due to work commitments away from home which has meant he has been unable to train with the squad during preseason.
Matt has been a big part of the squad over several seasons making 84 appearances for the Steelmen since joining the team from Llanelli RFC.
A big favourite with the Addicts, Matt has always been a popular member of the squad, and everyone at the club would like to thank him for his commitment to Ebbw Vale RFC and wish him all the best for the future.
#AlwaysASteelman
The Steelmen return to action tomorrow in the first of their pre-season games against Newbridge RFC at the Rec in Tredegar. The team have really been put through their paces during pre-season and co-captain, Rhys Francis, has written the following message,
“The boys have put in a huge shift over the last 6 weeks and are looking forward to putting everything together on Saturday. The new boys have got up to speed quickly and some of the older heads have really pushed the squad forward. One thing the boys have missed is the support and noise from the Addicts, so it will be great to have you all back on Saturday.”
Match Details
Saturday 12th August
Ebbw Vale RFC v Newbridge RFC
The Rec, Tredegar
Kick Off 2.30pm
ADMISSION: Free
(There will be a bucket collection at the game to support the Mini and Junior Steelers and Youth team)
#SupportTheSteelmen #FeelThe Steel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that Dylan Davies has been retained for 2023/24.
Dylan, an exciting scrum half, joined Ebbw Vale from Bridgend during last season and made his debut against Swansea in March 2023.
Dylan said, “I am very excited to remain part of such a hardworking and motivated club. Can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on over the summer for this coming season.”
The Steelmen will be holding a Q&A session at the Welfare on Wednesday 16th August where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and find out about plans for the coming season. The club are looking forward to seeing you at the Welfare to discuss pre-season and the season ahead.
Steelmen Departures
Several people involved with the Steelmen on and off the field have left the club following the end of the 2022/23 season and the club would like to thank them all for their commitment to the Steelmen and wish them all the very best for the future.
On the playing front Dave Whiting, Joel Harries, Alex Watkins, Haydn Simons, Morgan Thomas and James Skene have left the squad.
Dave made a big impression with the Addicts since joining Ebbw Vale. A strong scrummaging tight head, Dave made 38 appearances for the Steelmen. We will be meeting up with Dave very soon as he has signed for Merthyr who we play on the opening weekend of the league season.
Joel has been a member of the Steelmen squad for several seasons and has made over 50 appearances for the Steelmen. Joel has stepped back from Premiership rugby for the 2023/24 season.
Alex Watkins, Haydn Simons, Morgan Thomas and James Skene have also left the Steelmen at the end of the 2022/23 season. Although finding appearances limited during the season, Alex, Haydn, Morgan and James could always be relied upon when called into the match squad, giving 100% when on the field, and we wish them all good luck for the future.
Also leaving the club are the physio team of Saran Wyburn and Sam Walker who have been an integral part of the squad over the last few seasons.
Saran has been part of the Physio team at Ebbw Vale RFC for the last 8 seasons, becoming head physio over the last few years. Saran has shown great commitment to the team over this time and The Steelmen wish her all the best for the future.
Working alongside Saran on match days and the weekly training session has been Sam Walker who has also left the club. Sam leaves the Steelmen with our best wishes.
Finally, the club would like to say a big thank you to Damien Jenkins and Alun Harries for their commitment to the development of the mini and junior sections at Ebbw Vale RFC and the formation of the new Youth team over the last few seasons.
Damien, who has been involved with the mini and junior sections for several years, as well as the Steelers Youth team over the past two seasons, has stepped down from all roles at the club.
Alun returned to the club in 2021 as Coaching Development Officer, providing a vital link between the Youth set up and the Senior Squad.
Watch out for further announcements over the next week including the full coaching setup for 2023/24, more player retentions and the Dragons academy players who will be playing for the Steelmen in 2023/24
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of second row, Ewan McIntyre as part of the new partnership with Christ College, Brecon.
Ewan, who came through the mini and junior sections at Cefn Coed, has also represented Crawshays, the Blues (age grade) and captained the Welsh Academicals team and Christ College.
On signing with Ebbw Vale RFC, Ewan commented, “I’m buzzing to be signing with Ebbw Vale after a successful season. I’m looking forward to putting on the Steelmen jersey for the first time in the coming year.”
Ewan is currently in his Upper Sixth year at Christ College and is part of the Elite Player Pathway.
Following the announcement of the new partnership between Christ College, Brecon and Ebbw Vale RFC earlier in the week, the Steelmen are delighted to announce the signing of back row forward Owen Conquer for the 2023/24 season as part of the new player pathway
Owen, who has played for Llantwit Fadre RFC, has also represented the Blues (age grade) and has captained the Welsh Academicals team. He has also represented Crawshays and been capped by Wales U19s.
On signing with Ebbw Vale RFC, Owen commented, “I would like to thank Jason Strange and everyone else involved at Ebbw Vale RFC for giving me the opportunity to further develop my rugby at such a prestigious club. I cannot wait for the challenges that are yet to come and I am looking forward to learning off some great individuals within the squad. It is an honour to represent the badge.”
Owen is in his Upper Sixth year at Christ College, Brecon and is part of their Elite player pathway.
The 2013/14 season was our last in the Championship and began with an away game with a difference, it was in North Wales where the WRU had created a new club, RGC, that had the good fortune to have Rupert Moon at the helm. In their programme he wrote “I have to pinch myself at the thought of welcoming the players and committee of such an illustrious club stepped in history as Ebbw Vale.” We responded with a 31-16 win with tries from Ronnie Kynes, Spencer Gibson and a penalty try boosted by Dan Haymond landing four penalty goals and two conversions.
Led by the irrepressible Damien Hudd the Steelmen were in confident mood for the first home game of the season against Bargoed which we won 33-18 after being 13-8 down at half-time. Tries came from Jack Flower, Wes Cunliffe, Sion Jones and Joe Franchi, Ian Smerdon converting two, dropping a goal and kicking a penalty. Josh Prosser also landed a penalty and the scene was set for a season that would end with promotion. Man of the Match was Cameron Regan.
Jason Strange was our head coach in 2013/14 as he is today and comments in the match programme for the Bargoed game still apply – “Success in rugby does not come without commitment on and off the field. Whether taking part in vigorous pre-season training improving fitness and skills, focusing on the development of the match day game plan or an in-depth analysis of performance, all can provide that edge that keeps you ahead of the opposition. Even the smallest attention to detail can provide that one opportunity that will achieve victory.”
Our return to the Premiership began in September 2014 at home against Llandovery that was a thriller we won 30-29 one of many close finishes with the Drovers and more entertaining than our first game with them in 1982. We were in the 2nd Division and travelled west to endure a game later described as being as tight as a club treasurer’s wallet. It was try-less and a 3-3 draw looked likely until our young outside-half, Jason Strange, dropped a cheeky goal and we won 6-3. After sampling the local brew we travelled east feeling satisfied and confident we had found a lad of considerable promise.
REL
Christ College Brecon has announced a new partnership with Ebbw Vale RFC as it looks to strengthen ties with local rugby clubs.The collaboration will see the co-educational independent school and the club work together to develop opportunity pathways for players across all age groups from senior, youth and junior rugby, and coincides with two Upper Sixth players being selected to play for Ebbw Vale next season. Pupils Owen Conquer and Ewan McIntyre will begin squad training with the experienced ‘Steelmen’ team and have the opportunity to develop their rugby skills further by playing at competition level.The partnership is a chance for Ebbw Vale to support the development of aspiring youth rugby players and recruit those with potential, while the college will gain a presence at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium and support key events throughout the sporting calendar.
Christ College’s approach of linking with local rugby to amplify the sport at a grassroot level aligns with WRU’s vision of developing the game at a community level. It also supports the school’s Elite Player Pathway programme that aspires pupils to excel in sport and enables them access to additional coaching, individual player development plans and one-to-one mentoring.Christ College Brecon Director of Rugby, Dan Parry, who played for Merthyr RFC and represented Wales in Rugby League, said: “We’re really excited about the new partnership with Ebbw Vale and are looking forward to rolling out the development and player recruitment phase from September, which includes placing more of our current elite pupils with them. Another area of the partnership will be attending club open days and tournaments and utilising our players to help coach and referee these events.”John Patterson, Director of Sport at Christ College Brecon said: “Rugby has always been an important part of life at Christ College and we work closely with WRU to ensure our rugby provision is of the best standard to support pupils who wish to develop their sport alongside their academic studies.“Partnering with Ebbw Vale will open up further opportunities to our pupils who share this passion for rugby.”Ebbw Vale RFC Chairman Jonathan Jones said: “We are extremely pleased to begin an exciting phase of the club’s development by securing a key partner in the training of young aspirational rugby players. Owen and Euan are a credit to the rugby programme at Christ College and our coaching staff are confident that they will perform strongly in the Indigo Premiership in the coming season. The partnership further strengthens Ebbw Vale RFC’s historical link with the region.”Christ College combines its academic programme with an expansive sports provision including, hockey, netball, track and field, sailing, skiing and equestrian and boasts 40 acres of ground which houses rugby pitches, an astroturf pitch, cricket squares, hard court tennis courts, netball courts and outdoor cricket nets.For further information please contact admissions@christcollegebrecon.com or visit www.christcollegebrecon.com.
Joint Captains Announced For 2023/24
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that Joe Franchi and Rhys Francis will once again be co-captains for the Steelmen in 2023/24.
The 2 players bring vast experience to the Ebbw Vale Squad with Joe having made 167 appearances and Rhys 119 appearances for the Steelmen.
On being announced as co-captain, Joe commented, “It’s a massive honour to be named captain for another year. I think the partnership between myself and Rhys worked really well last year, and it was a no-brainer when Chippy asked us to do the same thing again this year. I’m sure Rhys will agree that our job is also made easier by having so many good leaders within the team who have lots of experience in the premiership and regionally. I’m really excited to see what this group can achieve this season.”
Rhys added, “Once again it’s a massive honour to be asked to co-captain the team. The progress we made last year both on and off the field was a testament to every single person involved with Ebbw Vale. Hopefully I can continue to play a small part in the journey the club is on and ultimately, finish the season with some silverware!”
Head coach, Jason Strange stated that it had been an easy decision for Joe and Rhys to continue as co-captains for 2023/24 saying that,
“It worked so well last year; both were excellent on and off the field and epitomize what we want at the club. Both are hardworking players with a great attitude, who hold themselves and others to the highest standards and expectations.”
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that Evan Lloyd has been retained for the 2023/24 season. Evan has made such an impact at number 10 since joining the Steelmen and last season played in all 24 matches scoring over 200 points. Evan is starting his 3rd season with Ebbw Vale and will be looking to pass 50 appearances for the Steelmen this year.
Evan commented, “Really looking forward to the new season and hoping to really push on after an enjoyable campaign last year. The club has a great vision both on and off the field and it’s something which I am looking forward to contributing to. There’s a great bunch of people involved within the club all striving for some silverware this coming season.”
The fixtures for the Indigo Group Premiership for 2023/24 have been released.
The Steelmen begin their campaign at the Wern against Merthyr RFC on the 2nd September before Pontypridd RFC visit the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on the 9th September.