Monthly Archives: May 2025
Last week, the world of rugby was in shock with the passing of former Steelman Mark Jones at the age of 59. Everyone at the club was devastated by the news and released the following statement.
Everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC is shocked and heartbroken at the news of the very recent passing of former player and club legend Mark Jones We were lucky enough to have Mark spend the evening with us promoting his book launch last year. Mark was adored by players and supporters during his time as a player, and even more so after he left. A true legend of the game and his passing leaves an unfillable hole in our hearts. To his family and friends in Wales and overseas, we are truly sorry for your loss. We send our love and deepest condolences. Finally to Mark himself. Mark you were a legend of this club, and will always be remembered as one of the greatest characters to ever pull on our jersey. We will never see your like again. Rest easy old friend. Much love from everyone at EVRFC
As the tributes have continued to pour in for Mark, you begin to realise his legendary status in both Rugby Union and Rugby League. A real hard man on the field but the gentlest of giants off it. A real character with a great sense of humour and fun.
The news has been a complete shock to everyone who knew him and as late as last week, Mark had been planning to fly home to the UK to watch Warrington Wolves play Hull FC next month. (The two teams he played for in Rugby League)
Mark actually returned to rugby union to play for Ebbw Vale RFC from Warrington in 1996. A leader on and off the field he played a major role in one the most successful periods in the club’s history playing in the SWALEC Cup Final and famous wins in Europe over the likes of Toulouse and Toulon.
Mark was also an inspiration as captain, and in 1999/2000, he led the Steelmen in a 14-game unbeaten run in the Welsh/Scottish League and European Challenge Cup. That season saw the Steelmen win home and away against the likes of Toulon, Connacht and Glasgow Caledonians.
Mark played a big part in our club’s history. A real character both on and off the field, he had a fantastic gift of making everyone he met and played with feel special.
Jason Strange commented, “I am so proud to call him a friend. He can never be replaced. Memories he has left in the game will never be forgotten. A Leader of men. Loved by so many. There will never be another M. Jones.”
RIP Scooby. You will never be forgotten. Always a Steelman!
Ebbw suffer final heartbreak
The Steelmen came up short in the SRC Grand Final, in a game that was played in front of a big crowd and the S4C cameras. The game was to see flanker Cameron Regan make his final appearance before retiring from the game.
The hosts came out of the blocks fast. However, good defence by the Black and Ambers kept the home side out.
The first points of the game came to the Steelmen. After being awarded a penalty, the clubs top point scorer Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the penalty.
The visitors were soon to strike back. After referee Ben Breakspear awarded the away side a penalty, Newport fly half Jac Lloyd levelled the scores from the tee.
A decisive moment in the game came when influential Ebbw Vale captain Joe Franchi had to be replaced by Ieuan Morris due to injury.
Moments later the away side took the lead. After good play, which saw Newport being stopped just by the try line, scrum half Dafydd Buckland picked the ball up from the ruck and dived over for the games first try. Outside half Jac Lloyd added the extras.
Ebbw Vale reduced the deficit when number ten Lloyd successfully sent a penalty through the centre of the posts to make it a four-point game.
With the last play of the first half the Black and Ambers struck again. After receiving a kick inside their own half, the Newport backs made an excellent break into the Ebbw twenty-two. With the forwards going through the phases, the ball made its way out to fly half Jac Lloyd, who saw a gap in the home defence, put in a sidestep and went over unopposed. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 6 Newport RFC 17
With both teams starting the second half with intent, the hosts struck first. A tremendous break from the home sides twenty-two by Ebbw`s Ryan Jenkins, saw the young number eight make inroads in the Black and Ambers twenty-two. However, the play came to nothing after a knock on from a further phase of play.
From the resulting scrum, a huge effort by the hosts pack, saw the Steelmen push Newport off the ball. With the forwards going through phase after phase and under the visitor’s posts, scrum half Gruff Tough saw winger Bowden out wide in space. Gruff put in a clever kick for Bowden to take the ball in the air and score the home sides first try out wide. Evan Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
However, the away side struck straight back. Receiving the ball in their own half, fullback Carwyn Penny took the ball and put in a kick over the defence. With scrum half Tough the last man in defence, a wicked bounce of the ball saw Penny collect the ball and stretch his legs to go over the try line out wide. Outside half Lloyd sent the ball through the centre of the posts.
The home sides first change of the afternoon came when coach Jason Strange replaced flanker Jack Pope with the retiring Cameron Regan.
The Steelmen reduced the deficit again. After Newport played in their own twenty-two, Ebbw turned over the ball just outside the try line. Second row Curtis Gregory picked up the ball and dived over the line. Fly half Evan Lloyd added the two points.
Further replacements by Ebbw Vale saw props Luke Garrett and Adam Williams come off and be replaced by Morgan Williams and Adam Court.
The final points of the game came when Newport were awarded a penalty by referee Breakspear. Jac Lloyd added the three points to stretch their lead to two scores.
Changes to the hosts side saw scrum half Rory Harries, centre Cameron Davies, full back Matt Jones and number eight Lewis Young enter the field to replace Gruff Tough, Dom Franchi, Morgan Richards and Ryan Jenkins.
However, despite a yellow card being shown to Newport second row Josh Skinner late on, the Steelmen were unable to take advantage and add any further scores. The game ended with Newport inflicting Ebbw’s first home defeat of the season.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 18 Newport RFC 27
Tries: Ewan Bowden (1), Curtis Gregory (1)
Conversion: Evan Lloyd (1)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Well the day has arrived!
Ebbw Vale RFC face Newport RFC in the inaugural SRC Grand Final at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium at 2.30pm today
After 18 league matches and two playoff games it comes down to a Gwent derby to decide the SRC Trophy winners.
The team have played each other 3 times this season with the Steelmen winning both earlier games at the CINER GLASS with Newport RFC winning at Rodney Parade.
Jason Strange has kept the majority of the squad that beat Llandovery RFC last weekend with the only changes being Ewan Bowden coming into the starting XV and Matt Jones moving onto the bench.
The game sees Ethan Phillips make his 100th appearance for the Steelmen. #100UP
The game will also see Cameron Regan put on a Steelmen jersey for the final time before he hangs up his boots. #OneFinalTime
The Squad is as follows:
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows
15 Morgan Richards 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Gruff Tough
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi © 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Morgan Williams 18 Adam Court 19 Cameron Regan 20 Lewis Young 21 Rory Harries 22 Cameron Davies 23 Matt Jones
#FeelTheSteel
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Newport RFC
Saturday 18th May
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick off 2.30pm
Sat Nav Postcode: NP23 5AZ
Reminder this is an all pay game. Tickets can be bought at the following link:
18th May Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy Final | EVRFC
Ebbw reach the final
Jason Strange’s team made a dramatic comeback in the second half to secure their place in the SRC final, after the semi final was played in glorious sunshine, in front of the S4C Camera’s at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
Llandovery got off to a fast start. The away sides first try was scored by centre Rhodri Jones, after a clever chip over the defence by the away side.
This was soon followed up by good back play by the Drovers ended with scrum half and captain Lee Rees going over the try line. Both tries had been converted by outside half Ioan Hughes.
Within minutes the Steelmen were reduced to fourteen men, when referee Ben Whitehouse adjudged the home side winger Ieuan Evans to have deliberately knocked the ball on.
After being back to fifteen men, the home side were again reduced to fourteen, when referee Whitehouse had thought flanker Jack Pope to have illegally used his boot in a phase of play.
Whilst still at reduced numbers the hosts hit back. From attacking play by the Drovers just outside the Ebbw twenty-two, an interception by Ebbw’s Evan Lloyd saw the number ten stretch his legs. Having made metres well into the Llandovery half and with the defenders covering across, Lloyd past to supporting winger Ryan Gardner, who showed his pace to go over the line unopposed. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
With the first half ending, a fine bit of play by the visitors full back Jac Davies saw the young full back score an excellent solo try. Hughes again converted giving his team a sixteen-point lead at the interval.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 5 Llandovery RFC 21
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange made his first substitution of the game during the interval with winger Ewan Bowden coming on for Ieuan Evans.
The away side were soon to be reduced to fourteen men when scrum half Lee Rees was sent to the sin bin by referee Whitehouse due to ill-discipline.
Ebbw Vale soon took advantage of the reduced numbers. With the forwards going through the phases, a nice show and go by Gruff Tough saw the young number nine beat a man, draw the last line of defence and pass to home full back Morgan Richards, who used his strength to fend off a tackle and dive over the line. Lloyd added the extras to reduce the deficit to nine points.
Further changes by the Steelmen saw flanker Jack Pope be replaced by Cameron Regan. Moments later Ieuan Morris and Adam Court replaced hooker Joe Franchi and prop Adam Williams and later Cameron Davies come on for Dom Franchi.
With Ebbw Vale on top in the second half, top points scorer Lloyd reduced the deficit to six points before prop Luke Garrett left the field to be replaced by Morgan Williams.
The visitors were given the opportunity to increase their lead further, however, fly half Hughes was unsuccessful with the penalty from far out.
Another change by coach Strange saw scrum half Gruff Tough leave the field for Rory Harries.
The hosts were about to go in front for the first time during the game. From a scrum inside the Vale half, scrum half Harries got quick ball out to centre Ethan Phillips in the centre of the field. Phillips picked his head up and put a clever chip over the Llandovery defence. With two defenders covering, Phillips sped through, got a boot to the ball before a Llandovery player, and Phillips collected the ball on the bounce and dived over for an excellent individual try. Lloyd added the two points.
With the game going into the final ten minutes the hosts scored the decisive try. After being awarded a penalty in the away sides twenty-two, Lloyd put the ball into the corner. From the lineout, the Ebbw forwards set up a driving maul, which ended with replacement hooker Ieuan Morris powering over the line. Lloyd again kicked the conversion to give the hosts an eight-point lead.
With time running out Ebbw Vale were to see out the remaining minutes with fourteen men when winger Ryan Gardner was shown a yellow card by referee Whitehouse.
The final score of an excellent game, where both teams contributed so much, was scored by Llandovery. Playing from their own twenty-two, the Drovers backs put width on the ball for speedster Harri Doel to run the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Replacement Jack Maynard kicked the conversion to bring the game to a close.
Fulltime: Ebbw Vale RFC 29 Llandovery RFC 28
Try scorers: Ryan Gardner (1), Morgan Richards (1), Ethan Phillips (1), Ieuan Morris (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (1)
Man Of The Match: Ryan Jenkins
After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale winger Ieuan Evans. Ieuan thought the team made it hard for themselves in the first half, he thought he could have defended better himself to stop a few tries. However, Ieuan praised the side for their work ethic, including the impact the subs made in the second half to get the team over the line to reach the final.
The Steelmen will face Newport RFC in the SRC Grand Final on Sunday 18th May at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium. Kick Off 2.20pm
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Ebbw Vale RFC v Llandovery RFC
The Steelmen to action this afternoon in the playoff semi-final of Super Rygbi Cymru against Llandovery RFC at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium live on S4C.
This is the 4th meeting of the season for the two team with Ebbw Vale winning both meetings in Super Rygbi Cymru and Llandovery beating the Steelmen in the final of the SRC Cup at Church Bank.
Jason Strange has selected a squad with several changes to the starting XV from the quarter final against Carmarthen Quins. Morgan Richards returns to the starting XV at full back with Ieuan Evans back on the wing. The experienced Dom Franchi returns at centre. The starting pack remains the same
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows
15 Morgan Richards 14 Ieuan Evans13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Gruff Tough
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi © 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Morgan Williams 18 Adam Court 19 Cameron Regan 20 Lewis Young 21 Rory Harries 22 Cameron Davies 23 Ewan Bowden
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC
Saturday 10th May
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick off 12.15pm
Sat Nav Postcode: NP23 5AZ
Admission Prices
FULL: £14
CONCESSION: £10
Reminder that this is an all pay match.
Tickets can be purchased online at the following link: 10th May Ebbw Vale v Llandovery | EVRFC
Ebbw Addicts Player of the Year Voting
Voting will also take place today for the Ebbw Addicts Player of the Year, Most Promising Player and the Clubman of the Year.
Please see the Addicts in the club shop for voting slips.
Ebbw reach the semi final
Ebbw Vale were made to work hard by Carmarthen to come away with the victory to reach the semi final of the play offs next week.
The visitors hit the front early on after fly half Ifan Davies sent the penalty through the middle of the posts to put his team three points to the good.
With their tails up, the away side scored the first try of the game when winger Louis Rees took advantage of a bouncing ball to go over the line unopposed. Number ten Davies successfully kicked the conversion.
However, the hosts were to hit back. After a penalty was sent into touch in the Quins twenty-two by outside half Lloyd, the Ebbw forwards secured the lineout and set up a driving maul which was finished off by top try scorer Joe Franchi. Lloyd added the extras to make it a three-point game.
With the Steelmen forwards getting the grit between their teeth, another penalty into the Carmarthen twenty-two by Lloyd set up a driving maul from the lineout, which was only stopped illegally. Referee Adam Jones went under the sticks to award the home side a penalty try and show the visitors number eight Lewys Millin a yellow card.
When reduced to fourteen men, the away side struck back. A well taken try by centre Jac Howells and conversion by outside half Davies put the Quins back into the lead.
The home side were soon reduced to fourteen men when Ebbw Vale second row Dylan Bartlett was shown a yellow card for ill-discipline.
With Carmarthen back to full numbers and having a numerical advantage they benefited to stretch their lead further. After being awarded a penalty near the hosts line, scrum half Lucca Setaro took a quick tap and darted over the line. Number ten Davies kicked the conversion.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 14 Carmarthen Quins RFC 24
The home side came out for the second half in determined fashion. With a lineout inside the Quins twenty-two setting up the rolling maul, flanker Sion Parry split away from the maul and used his strength to fend off defenders and score. Lloyd added the points to reduce the deficit to three points.
The away side extended their lead to six points when flyhalf Ifan Davies sent the ball through the centre of the sticks.
The first change by the hosts coach Jason Strange saw centre Cameron Davies come off for Dom Franchi.
Within minutes, the Steelmen reclaimed the lead. From a lineout inside the Quins half, the forwards set up a driving maul which finished with hooker Joe Franchi scoring his second try of the game. Lloyd kicked the conversion to put Ebbw one point to the good.
The Ebbw Vale skipper Franchi claimed another hat trick this season, when from a lineout the forwards power showed and Franchi benefited from it. Evan Lloyd added the extras.
Home hooker Franchi was replaced by Ieuan Morris and moments later replacement props Adam Court and Morgan Williams came on for Luke Garrett and Adam Williams.
Midway through the second half Carmarthen again reduced the deficit to five points when Davies kicked a well taken penalty.
Further changes by Ebbw coach Strange, saw Cameron Regan and Lewis Young come onto the pitch for flanker Jack Pope and number eight Ryan Jenkins.
With time ticking away, the home side struck a decisive blow. With the forwards going through the phases inside the visitors twenty-two, scrum half Gruff Tough saw space out on the wing. With plenty left to do, the young scrum half backed himself and darted over the try line for a well taken try. Lloyd again successfully kicked the conversion.
Ebbw replacement Morgan Richards was sent onto the field to replace full back Matt Jones.
Shortly afterwards scrum half Gruff Tough left the field to be replaced by Rory Harries. However, within minutes Harries was shown a yellow card and spent the remaining minutes in the sin bin for a miss timed challenge in the air.
The Quins gained from their numerical advantage when scrum half Setaro saw space and scored a well taken try out wide to set up a tense finale. However, the conversion was missed.
After being awarded a penalty in the final moments of the game, Ebbw fly half Lloyd sent the ball through the posts to extend the home sides lead to ten points. Referee Jones decided to call time on play for a home victory.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 45 Carmarthen Quins RFC 35
Try scorers: Joe Franchi (3), Sion Parry (1), Gruff Tough (1), Penalty try (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (5)
Penalty: Evan Lloyd (1)
Ebbw Vale RFC man of the match: Sion Parry
The Steelmen next play Llandovery RFC in the semi final of the play offs at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 10th May 2025. Kick off to be confirmed.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Ebbw Vale RFC v Carmarthen Quins
The Steelmen return to action this evening in the SRC Playoff Quarter-Final against Carmarthen Quins at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium. This is the 3rd meeting of the teams this season with the Steelmen winning both previous games; 39-11 at Carmarthen Park and 40 -20 at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
The Steelmen see the return of several players from injury to the first XV. Gruff Tough and Evan Lloyd return at halfbacks and the match also sees the return in the engine room of Curtis Gregory and Dylan Bartlett. Ryan Gardner also returns on the wing. Ethan Phillips moves back into centre having played on the wing and outside half in the previous two games.
Replacements will be named shortly before kickoff
The Steelmen starting XV is as follows:
15 Matt Jones
14 Ewan Bowden
13 Ethan Phillips
12 Cameron Davies
11 Ryan Gardner
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Gruff Tough
1 Luke Garrett
2 Joe Franchi (CAPT)
3 Adam Williams
4 Dylan Bartlett
5 Curtis Gregory
6 Jack Pope
7 Sion Parry
8 Ryan Jenkins
Match Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Carmarthen Quins
Saturday 3rd May
7.30pm
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Reminder that the game is all pay
Admission Details for Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders
The prices for admission to the game are as follows:
Ebbw Vale RFC Vice President Season Ticket Holders – FREE entry
Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Adult) – £10 entry
Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Concession) – £6 entry
Under 16s free (with an adult)
PLEASE NOTE: Reduced price tickets for Ebbw Vale RFC members cannot be bought online. You can pay by cash or card on match day, provided you produce your season ticket.
Admission Details for non-Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders
Non-Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Adult) – £14 entry
Non-Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Concession) – £10 entry
These ticket can be bought online
Purchase tickets in advance here, https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/3rd-may-ebbw-vale-v-carmarthen-quins/
#FeelTheSteel