Full back and Second Row

Full Back Shirt

Once again for a 6^th season Abergavenny product Dan Haymond will start with a firm grip on the 15 shirt. Dan has proven himself to be a skilled and dependable player who is committed to the club and he will be looking to get close to 150 appearances during the season

Dan will be challenged for the 15 shirt by Garyn Payne, another product of the Aberdare club who spent last season at Bedwas. Well known to our coaches through his time at Coleg y Cymoedd, the 6ft 2” Payne will bring a physical presence to the role. Garyn also possesses a big kicking game and is  comfortable on the wing but sees himself as a 15

Second Row

There are two new faces in this area with Andrew Mann and Gavin Bilton joining January signing Lance Randall.

Andrew Mann

Andrew played several games for the Steelmen in Division 1 East and impressed with his aggressive carrying and pace around the field. At the time he was unable to commit the required time to training and so remained at the Brynmawr club where he has continued to impress with a number of Premiership and Championship clubs keen to sign him. The 27 year old has opted for his local club and is looking forward to the support at games which he described as “incredible”.

He will be joined by Gavin Bilton who is 6ft 7” and just under 20 stone. Gavin has premiership experience with Bridgend but his rugby has been curtailed by the fact he is a serving soldier based in the London area. He will leave the army in June and will be able to fully commit himself to the training regime required by the coaches. The more observant Ebbw Addicts would have seen his lineout prowess for Caerphilly in the cup final appearance at the Principality Stadium in Mid April. Gavin is another player that is excited to be joining the Steelmen and is looking forward to playing behind our front row

January signing Lance Randall has quickly endeared himself to the Ebbw Addicts with some robust and skilled performances in the second row and on occasions the 6 shirt. Lance is Welsh qualified and went through the Dragons Academy system before playing for Cinderford in his home area. Lance is another who having been out with a knee injury for a year will benefit from a full pre season and all expect him to make a significant mark in the coming season

The club also expects to have another signing complete by the start of training at the end of June and will also be able to call upon the services of lineout expert Ashley Sweet when available from the Dragons.

Departing after 5 seasons with the Steelmen is Joe Bartlett who leaves in search of more regular rugby. The amiable giant Joe has been a pleasure to have at the club and has been a good clubman who has let no-one down when he has been called upon. Joe, who has great rugby skills for a big man, is likely to play for Newport and all at the club would like to thank him for his services. Hopefully, we will see him in our colours again.