Monthly Archives: October 2025
The Steelmen will look to continue their unbeaten start to the season with a Gwent Derby against Newport RFC at the Newport Stadium today. This is the first meeting this season between the two teams who reached the playoff final of Super Rygbi Cymru in 2024/25.
There are two changes to the starting XV for Ebbw Vale with Dom Franchi returning as skipper at centre and Alfred Bateman Lloyd making his first start for the team in the second row. Hooker, Ieuan Morris, will be looking to continue to great try scoring form having already scored 6 tries in 4 appearances this season.
The match will also see the return of Ben Main and Gruff Tough to the match day squad.
The full squad is as follow:
15 Evan Lloyd 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi © 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Dorian Jones 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Adam Williams 4 Alferd Bateman Lloyd 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Owen Conquer
Replacements
16 Joe Franchi 17 Adam Court 18 Morgan Bosanko 19 Ben Main 20 Lewis Young 21 Gruff Tough 22 Dylan Edwards 23 Cameron Davies
Match Information
Newport RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Newport Stadium
Kick Off 2.30pm
Admission Prices
Full Price £14
Concession £10
Tickets can be purchased here: Tickets – NEWPORT RFC
Travel Information
Postcode for Satnavs NP19 4PT
There is plenty of free parking at the stadium.
Ebbw Snatch Bonus Point Victory
Ebbw Vale played in cold conditions under the lights and in front of the S4C camaras for the first time this season, at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium looking to continue their six points winning streak.
Immediately from the kick off the Steelmen were awarded a penalty by referee Carwyn Sion for a side entry by Llandovery. Ebbw no.10 Dorian Jones missed the kick to the corner. Referee Sion awarded Llandovery a penalty for holding on. Llandovery opted for a lineout which then was judged to be not straight enough for the referee`s liking. From the Ebbw scrum, the home side was gifted a free kick.
Referee Sion offered Llandovery the chance to take the lead after a home side player came in at the side of the ruck. Llandovery no.10 Ioan Hughes slotted the penalty from the ten-metre line to put Llandovery three points ahead.
The first try of the game came moments later when referee Sion gave the hosts a penalty, to which Jones kicked into the corner. From the lineout, the Steelmen forwards set up a maul, which ended with hooker Ieuan Morris using his strength to crash over the line. Fly half Jones converted the conversion to give the home side the lead 7-3.
A quick lineout by the hosts full back Evan Lloyd, saw the young number fifteen pass to outside half Jones. With acres of field in front of him, Jones put in a banana kick which resulted in a 50:22 and a lineout to Ebbw. However, from the top of the lineout, the ball was turned over by Llandovery, who cleared their lines.
The home sides coach Jason Strange was forced into an early change when second row Dylan Bartlett had to go off due to injury and was replaced by young second row Alfred Bateman Lloyd. After the little stoppage, Llandovery went for the corner.
With Llandovery enjoying quick ball and enjoying consecutive penalties, the Drovers finished off a good passage of play with centre Rhodri Jones crashing over the line, despite the efforts of the Ebbw Vale defence. Number ten Hughes shunts the ball through the uprights to put Llandovery back in front 7-10.
The visitors quickly added another try, when from a long pass in midfield by scrum half Lee Rees to winger Tomi Lewis, saw the winger walk over out wide. Hughes was unable to add the extras.
The hosts scored their second try of the half soon after. Good work by the Ebbw forwards saw scrum half Rory Harries deliver quick ball to Dorian Jones. With an overlap outside him, the experienced number ten, drew his man and passed to centre and captain Ethan Phillips. With the defence rushing at him Phillips stood up the defender and passed to flyer Ewan Bowden on the wing. Bowden did the rest by using his speed to go in at the corner unopposed. Number ten Jones powered the ball through the sticks to make it a one-point game.
Halftime: Ebbw Vale RFC 14 Llandovery RFC 15
Llandovery came firing out of the blocks in the second half. The referee awarded the Drovers a penalty. Llandovery choose to go to the corner as Ebbw coach Strange made his second change of the night bringing on experienced centre Dom Franchi for Cameron Davies. From the resulting lineout, the away side gained another advantage. The home side`s number two Morris was yellow carded by referee Sion for illegal play in the ruck. With the Steelmen down to fourteen, Llandovery took advantage and scored a try through Tiaan Sparrow, Hughes slotting the conversion to regain an eight-point lead.
From quick play and inside the visitor’s half, the ball made its way out to Ebbw Vale flanker Sion Parry, who was tackled. From which all players gathered pushing and shoving each other. Referee Carwyn Sion stopped play, reviewed the ruck with assistant referee Craig Evans. and showed Llandovery’s outside centre Corey Baldwin a red card for a stamp on Ebbw’s number fifteen Lloyd`s side of the head.
With a man advantage Ebbw Vale fly half Jones put the ball into the corner. With Morris in the sin bin, replacement hooker Charlie Manship came on for his debut and Bowden was sacrificed. With the grit between their teeth, from the lineout the Steelmen set up a driving maul and heaved their way over the line for debutant Manship to score. Jones was successful with the conversion, leaving it with one point between the two sides.
Within minutes of each other the hosts coach Strange decided to bring on fresh legs in the front row with Adam Court replacing Adam Williams and Luke Garrett making way for Morgan Bosanko.
Quick ball to the Ebbw backs, saw the ball make its way out to speedster Bowden on the wing. After having his kick charged down, replacement centre Franchi showed his power to break through three tackles before going to ground. More quick ball out to centre Phillips, resulted in Phillips taking the tackle and setting up the next phase of play. A long-switched pass by winger Bowden saw the ball go through the forwards hands before being tackled. Quick ball by Harries to full back Lloyd saw Lloyd quickly pass the ball onto second row Bateman-Lloyd. Running a good line and taking two tacklers, the young second row passed to supporting centre Franchi who managed to take the ball behind him, swivel and power through a tackle to score a well taken try. Number ten Jones kicked the conversion.
In the last quarter of the game, the home side stretched their lead. Excellent play in the backs saw a long pass by Lloyd make its way out to winger Dafydd Thomas. Using his speed and strength the winger got over the gain line and into the visitors twenty-two. Quick ball back and forth saw fly half Jones pick a good line and pass out of the tackle to supporting centre Phillips. Despite the best efforts of the covering defenders, Phillips used his speed and strength to go over out wide. Jones hooked the ball wide.
The hosts coach Strange brought on replacement scrum half Dan Buffery for Rory Harries and Lewis Young for number eight Owen Conquer.
With the game inside the last ten minutes and Ebbw making their numerical advantage count, from a lineout in the Drovers twenty-two, the Steelmen scored their six try of the game. The forwards once again set up a rolling maul, with the backs joining in and hooker Morris powered over to score his second try of the game. Dorian Jones converted the try.
With only 5 minutes left of the gave Ebbw brought on Dylan Edwards for Fullback Evan Lloyd.
Fulltime: Ebbw Vale RFC 40 Llandovery RFC 22
Tries: Ieuan Morris (2), Charlie Manship (1), Ewan Bowden (1), Ethan Phillips (1), Dom Franchi (1)
Conversions: Dorian Jones (5)
After the game we spoke with winger Dafydd Thomas. Dafydd thought it was a really good game. However, he thought the team started slowly. Dafydd saw similarities to the Cardiff game at home two weeks previously. To improve, Dafydd thought the team need to build the game, coming out of the blocks early. Dafydd praised Llandovery for showing what they are all about as a club in the first half, Finally, Dafydd praised the team for outmuscling Llandovery, in particular praising both Ieuan Morris and Charlie Manship on the night, for scoring a lot of tries.
Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe
Ebbw Vale RFC`s next game is a Gwent derby away to Newport RFC at Newport Stadium on Saturday 25th October 2025, with kick off at 2:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evan
The Steelmen squad for the game against Llandovery RFC
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Inspiring Coach Education Evening with Alistair Rogers
Our latest Coach Education Evening proved to be one of the most insightful sessions yet, as local community and junior coaches gathered to learn from a world-class guest — Alistair Rogers, former Ebbw Vale openside flanker who went on to achieve incredible success on the global stage.
After hanging up his boots, Alistair’s career took him into the professional coaching and analysis arena, where he became a key member of the New Zealand All Blacks’ backroom team, contributing to their historic back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015. He has since continued to develop his coaching craft, most recently serving as Defence Coach for the Auckland Blues in Super Rugby.
During the evening, Alistair delivered an outstanding session on defensive systems and principles, sharing his insights into how the world’s best sides approach the art of defence — from structure and communication to mindset and accountability. Coaches in attendance were treated to a blend of technical knowledge, real-world experience, and practical takeaways to apply within their own teams.
The session also provided a great opportunity for local coaches to connect, share ideas, and continue their own development as part of our ongoing commitment to raising coaching standards across the community and junior game.
A huge thank you to Alistair Rogers for his time and expertise, and to everyone who attended and contributed to another excellent evening of learning and discussion.
We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to grow together as a coaching community.
#CoachDevelopment #GrassrootsRugby #LearningTogether
#AllBlacks #BluesRugby #Ebbw Vale
Ebbw Vale Legends: Men of Steel Mural
The last home game against Cardiff RFC saw the official unveiling of the Ebbw Vale Legends; Men of Steel mural at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium. The event which saw speeches by local AM Alun Davies and Club Chairman Jon Jones, was attended by family members and former players of Ebbw Vale RFC. The five men honoured in the mural were Denzil Williams, Arthur Lewis, Mark Jones, Clive Burgess and Gareth Howls who were chosen to represent all former players in the Steelmen family.
The mural was created by local artist, James Telford, who also created the Mark Jones mural in Tredegar.
As for the men who appeared in the mural:
Denzil Williams
Denzil Williams played for the Steelmen first as a lock forward before becoming an international prop forward. He twice played for the combined Abertillery & Ebbw Vale XV at lock, against New Zealand in 1963 and as captain against Australia in 1966. At prop he played for Monmouthshire against New Zealand in 1967 and for Gwent against South Africa in 1969. Between 1963 and 1971 he gained 36 caps for Wales. On the 1966 British Lions tour of Australasia he made 20 appearances, including five tests. He captained the Barbarians against Cardiff in 1971.
Gareth Howls
Gareth played as prop or lock for Ebbw Vale, the Barbarians, the Gwent and British Police, Crawshay’s Welsh and the County teams against the All-Blacks and Springboks.
He was Ebbw Vale Player of the Year in 1975, captain of the club four seasons in the Seventies, played four times for Wales A. He made his debut for his one and only club in September 1965 and retired in 1981 after 608 appearances, a club record.
Clive Burgess
Clive, a backrow forward, made over 200 appearances for the Steelmen before finishing his career in Italy.
He was capped for the Wales B team against France in 1976 and his first full cap came in a try-scoring debut against Ireland in 1977 Clive was a key member of the 1977 Triple Crown winning side and on his recall in 1981, voted Welsh Player of the Year. Renowned for his mauling strength, Clive won nine caps between 1977 and 1982.
Arthur Lewis
Arthur Lewis, played for Ebbw Vale RFC making his Welsh debut in 1970 in a Five Nations victory over France in Cardiff. Arthur went on to record 11 caps, winning nine times and losing just twice with his country. His sole try came against England at Cardiff in January 1973.
Arthur was part of the 1971 Lions Tour to New Zealand where he featured in ten midweek fixtures for the Lions scoring tries against Canterbury and Manawatu/Horowhenua.
Mark Jones
Mark Jones, a dual code international, returned to play for Ebbw Vale RFC from Warrington rugby league team in 1996 and 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 Jones won 11 caps for Wales in the 13-man game, including two during a famous 1995 World Cup campaign where Wales reached the semi-finals. He also represented Great Britain, playing one game against France in February 1992.
Mark won 15 caps in rugby union winning final cap as a lock against Zimbabwe in June 1998 while playing for the Steelmen.
Jason Strange – Head Coach, Ebbw Vale RFC commented,
“It’s a real privilege to be here today to celebrate and recognise some of the great players who’ve worn the Ebbw Vale shirt over the years. The unveiling of this mural isn’t just about remembering names and faces — it’s about honouring the standards, commitment, and passion these men represented, values that have shaped this club for generations.
As a club, it’s vital that we remember and respect our history. The players we honour today set the benchmark for what it means to be a Steelman — the hard work, the pride, and the resilience that define this community.
For us now, the challenge is to carry those traditions forward. We’re not just building a team; we’re building a club — one that represents the town, connects generations, and gives people something to be proud of. A strong club creates strong teams, and the standards set by the legends behind us inspire everything we do today.
This mural is a powerful reminder that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves. Every time we walk into the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium, we’re reminded of those who built the foundations — and it’s our responsibility to uphold their legacy and keep driving Ebbw Vale RFC forward.”
The club would also like to thank Ron Skinners & Sons, MCL Logistics, Dean James and Marcus Russell for sponsoring the mural.
#FeelTheSteel
The Steelmen head off to the capital for the return fixture against Cardiff RFC at the Arms Park today following their 60 -20 win against the same opposition last weekend at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium. The Steelmen have achieved maximum points so far, after winning their opening three games in Super Rygbi Cymru, while Cardiff RFC have won one and lost two matches this season.
Jason Strange makes a number of changes to the squad for the match. Evan Lloyd returns at 10 with Dylan Edwards returning to the starting XV at full back. Ieuan Morris, after scoring a hattrick of tries last week, comes into the team at hooker. Charlie Manship will be looking to make his debut from the bench, while there are first appearances of the season for Morgan Williams and Ben Main. Dan Buffery and Dom Franchi also come onto the bench. Ethan Phillips will captain the team.
The full squad is as follows:
15 Dylan Edwards 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips (c) 12 Cam Davies 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Lewis Young 8 Owen Conquer
16 Charlie Manship 17 Morgan Williams 18 Morgan Bosanko 19 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 20 Ben Main 21 Dan Buffery 22 Dorian Jones 23 Dom Franchi
#FeelTheSteel
Match Day Prices
Match Day Adult – £15 ( Purchased at the ground on day of game)
Concessions – £10
Junior – Free
Match tickets are available from ticket booths near the turnstiles
Match information
Cardiff RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Saturday 4th October
Cardiff Arms Park
2.30pm
CF10 1JA
