New Club Captain for 2026/27

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Monthly Archives: June 2026

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The Steelmen will have a new club captain for the 2026/27 season, with Sion Parry stepping into the role that Joe Franchi has held for the last 7 seasons. Sion will start his 3rd season as a Steelmen having joined from Pontypridd RFC in 2024.

Commenting on his appointment as captain. Sion said

“I’d like to start by saying thank you to Jason, Aaron, Ieuan, the Ebbw fans, and my fellow players for putting their trust in me to be captain for the upcoming SRC season. I’m incredibly proud of the opportunity and very much looking forward to leading the boys out. I can’t wait for the season to get underway.

I’d also like to give a special thank you to Joe Franchi and Dom Franchi. From the moment I joined the club, they welcomed me with open arms and made me feel part of the family. Joe has been an outstanding captain for this club over the last seven years, brilliantly supported by his brother, and I hope I can help create the same culture, environment, and standards that they have built. Both have played a huge role in developing my leadership, and I wouldn’t be writing this without them.

I’ve enjoyed my rugby over the last two seasons more than at any other point in my life, so when Jason asked me to be captain, I couldn’t have been happier.

The hard work starts now in pre-season, and we’ve got a group that’s hungry, committed, and ready to bring some silverware back to Ebbw this year.”

Jason Strange paid tribute to Joe Franchi for his leadership over the last 7 seasons and welcomed Sion into his new role

“Joe has been a tremendous captain and an outstanding leader.
He has played a huge role in establishing the culture, standards and values that define this club today. Even while dealing with a serious injury setback last season, he has continued to lead and support the group exactly as you would expect from him.

On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Joe for everything he has done as captain over the last seven seasons. His influence on this group will continue long after he hands over the captaincy.

I am also delighted to that Sion Parry will become our new club captain.
Sion embodies everything we value as a club. He leads through his actions and cares deeply about his teammates.
He has earned the respect of everyone within the squad.
And I know he will do an outstanding job leading the team into the next chapter of its journey.”

The new SRC season will begin on Saturday 12th September when the Steelmen will host Swansea RFC at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium.

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At a packed Welfare, the Steelmen held their annual Club Dinner and Presentation Evening on Friday 7th June. Among many highlights of the evening was the awarding of Life membership to Jan Edwards who has been treasurer for the mini and junior section for the last 27 years!

Dylan Bartlett was awarded the Man of Steel with Sion Parry picking up both the Ebbw Addicts and Players Player of the Year Awards.  Alfred Bateman Lloyd was voted most promising player by the Ebbw Addicts. A special presentation was made by Joe and Dom Franchi to Lewis Young, Evan Lloyd and Adam Court who are leaving the club following the 25/26 season

The full list of awards were as follows:

  • Clive Burgess Man of Steel – Dylan Bartlett
  • Denzil Williams Players Player of the Year – Sion Parry
  • Ebbw Addicts Player of the Year – Sion Parry
  • Ivor Evans Clubman of the Year – Jon Evans
  • Ebbw Addicts Most Promising Player – Alfred Bateman Lloyd
  • The Doctor Gordon Thomas Award – Joe Franchi
  • Gareth Howls Captains Award – Joe Franchi
  • Try of the Season – Ewan Bowden
  • Top Try Scorer – Ieuan Morris
  • Top Points Scorer – Evan Lloyd
  • 100 Caps – Evan Lloyd and Dylan Bartlett
  • Life Member – Jan Edwards
  • Special Presentation – Lewis Young, Evan Lloyd and Adam Court