Squad news

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

Joe Franchi, Rhys Francis

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