Author Archives: Robert Smith

Here’s your first chance to see the new kit, manufactured once again by Akuma and kindly modelled by Mr Sweet and Mr Haymond. Image courtesy of NCR Photography – diolch yn fair, Neil!

Zorba Delicacies, one of the major employers in Blaenau Gwent, has returned to supporting the club as a playing kit sponsor and partner.

Fatra, a water treatment company, have returned as kit partner on the shirt although supporter and Matthew Shaw was still an active sponsor last season.

Long standing local business and sponsor Paul’s Scaffolding has stepped up their involvement in the Steelmen by becoming a kit sponsor appearing on the shirt and will take enormous pride in supporting a member of their staff in Dom Franchi wearing the shirt.

They are joined by fellow local company B&L Roofing who, after one season as a player sponsor and advertiser on the ground and in the match day programme, have increased their commitment in becoming a kit partner with their logo on the back of this year’s playing shirt.

New sponsor Rolling Classics of Aberbargoed, as the name suggests, sell classic cars but of the modern variety and not classics. We look forward to welcoming Alex and Carly at the club during the season.

A new sponsor to the senior team is Met-Pro who currently sponsor our Mini and Junior sections. A warm welcome awaits them at Eugene Cross Park.

The Steelhouse Rock Festival has continued their sponsorship with a sleeve advertisement in what will be the 10th Anniversary of the Classic Rock Festival that has increased in popularity each year. A big thanks to Matt Read and Mike Evans for their sponsorship, and we hope to see Mike’s dad and former committee stalwart and Secretary Alan at some of our home games.

Not content with his longstanding and busy duties as Club Doctor, Dr. Rhys Thomas will support us even further by advertising his Foot and Ankle Clinic on the sleeve of the kit.

Returning for a second season as a sponsor on the shorts is Roberts Estate Agents. We look forward to welcoming Katie Darlow and her staff to games in the coming season.

A new shorts kit partner is Community Fitness, a local gym and fitness centre set up by Dr. Paul Thomas assisted by former Ebbw back row forward Lee Meredith to provide affordable family fitness in the area.  The community approach of Paul and his staff is very much the ethos of the Steelmen and we are delighted to welcome them on board as a kit partner and we look forward to seeing them during the season.

All at the club would like to take the opportunity to thank two local companies who have for many years sponsored our Match Advertising Board above the ground; Jill and Kevan Lines of Lewis and Lines Solicitors, and Mark Skinner of Ron Skinner and Sons Car Sales. Both sponsorships are a significant help in keeping top level rugby in Blaenau Gwent.

Please, whenever you can, support all of our sponsors as they have supported our club.

The following players have signed for the Steelmen after impressing the coaching staff during pre-season training and games.

Harry Harding a rugged open side flanker has joined from Pill Harriers. The 23year old has spent the formative part of his rugby career with the Dragons Academy based at Newport High School. His fearless and committed approach will remind the Ebbw Addicts of recent favorite and former captain Ronny Kynes.

Hooker Mikhail Blake has joined from Cwmbran and will add competition to the position where the Steelmen are very well served. Micky is a strong scrummager and a mobile and aggressive carrier in open play.

Tight Head prop Ellis Evans has signed from Brynmawr having had some Premiership experience last season with Bedwas RFC. Ellis has impressed all with his hard work during pre season training and will look to put pressure on crowd favorite Rob Sevenoaks for the number 3 shirt.

Finally, serving Royal Marine and RTB product Craig Duncan has rejoined Ebbw Vale and will provide competition for the 15 shirt to Dan Haymond with his powerful and pacy running game. Craig will miss the first month of the season, as he will be in Japan for a forces rugby competition

Dragons Initial Draft

The first and major part of the draft process with the Dragons has been completed and the following players have been allocated to Ebbw Vale:

Aneurin Owen – Centre
Rio Dyer – Wing
Euan Rosser – Wing
Joe Goodchild – Wing / Fullback
Carwyn Penny – Fullback / Out Half
Jake Morgan – Fullback
Deon Smith – Wing
Dan Babos – Scrum Half
Max Ayling – Second Row
Max Williams -Second Row
Ben Fry – Back Row 6/8
Chris Coleman – Tight Head
Will Griffiths – Hooker

The following players are in the under 18 group and will be available from January 2020:

Ben Moa – N8
Joe Peard – Second Row
Benji Hoppe – Back Row
Carrick McDonaugh – Wing
Johnny Painter – Centre / Wing

In addition to these the club will retain the ability to utilise the following draft players from last season when they are available:

Daffydd Howells – Wing
Jack Dixon – Centre

The club will also able to call on the services of our legacy players when available:

Jarrod Rosser
Harri Keddie
Josh Lewis

Some names on the list that have Ebbw Vale connections are:
Euan Rosser, brother of Jarrod who starred during our Premiership winning season.
Ben Moa who is the son of former Ebbw Vale and Tonga prop forward Winni Moa.

Another well known name is Joe Peard whose father Mike was an excellent second row for Newbridge and whose granddad is former referee and current assessor Les who is often seen enjoying a balmy winter’s day in Ebbw Vale!

We’ve had numerous enquiries regarding the funeral of Owen Cunliffe, an ever present and popular supporter of the Steelmen during the seasons when his grandson, Wes, was with us. The Ebbw Addicts’ Angharad Simpson has been informed that it will take place on Thursday 5th September at 1:30 at Green Meadow golf club, Cwmbran. Wes and the family would love people who knew them during his days at Ebbw to attend.

The club is delighted to announce David Spears Commercials as a sponsor for the 2019-20 season. Marketing Manager of the commercial vehicles company, James Spears said, “We’ve always thought of it as important for us as a business to support local organisations. Knowing how important rugby is in our area it’s great to be able to team up with Ebbw Vale RFC for the 19-20 season. For a team based less than 3miles from our head office, which has seen much success in recent years, it’s great that we’re able to build a corporate relationship.”
Chairman Jonathan Jones is very pleased that such a long standing and prominent local business has backed the club and is looking forward to welcoming David, James, their staff and customers to Eugene Cross Park in what will be a competitive and thrilling season.

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to welcome Scott Parnell to the club as shirt sponsors for the 2019/20 season. With the excitement building around a new looking premiership and the league featuring again on BBC Wales it will be an exciting time to promote the Scott Parnell brand on the club’s shirt, raising the company’s profile within Wales. The TV coverage that BBC Wales bring to the league also helps the club attract high calibre companies such as Scott Parnell.

Leanne Horrigan, Director – Scott Parnell Wales said, “Scott Parnell are proud to be a sponsor of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club for this forthcoming season. As a London based company recently establishing a new division in the South Wales valleys, we are keen to grow our roots and relationships in Wales and delighted to give something back to the community. We are very much looking forward to getting involved with the club and wish them every success this season. There’s an exciting year of rugby ahead!”

“At Scott Parnell we provide a one-stop shop for all your groundworks and civil engineering requirements, while offering friendly, independent advice on how to find the best product for your schedule and specifications. Specialising in landscaping, drainage and geo-technical supplies, we are also experts in water management schemes and utilities and stock a huge range of building materials suitable for all projects – be it residential, roads, commercial or in the leisure industry. So whether you’re undertaking a major redevelopment, building a handful of new houses or constructing a new state-of-the-art leisure complex, we have the supplies, expertise and knowledge you need to lay a solid foundation for your project. Check out www.scottparnell.com

 Scott Parnell Wales office

Unit 10, Hirwaun Industrial Estate

Nr Aberdare

Wales

1. CF44 9UP

Tel: 01685 708970

Email: hirwaunsales@scottparnell.com

Ebbw Vale RFC are proud to announce Great Annual Savings (GAS), the club’s new energy partners, as sponsors for the upcoming 2019–20 Indigo Group Premiership campaign powering the Steelmen.

As well as becoming the club’s new official energy partner, a move which saw GAS’s team of industry-leading procurement specialists negotiate new and improved energy contracts for the club, the two have also announced a strategic partnership aimed at reducing the energy costs for local Welsh businesses. Aidan Angus, Business Solutions Manager at GAS, said, “We’re passionate about sport. We have strategic partnerships in place with sporting organisations and clubs around the UK, including Ebbw Vale Rugby Club. As well as being a sponsor, we re-invest a portion of the revenue we generate through the relationship back into the rugby club, doubling down on the value of our relationship. We’ve already done some great work with The Steelmen and we look forward to working together further this season.”

The energy cost savings experts have found a kindred spirit in Ebbw Vale Rugby Club, with both sharing a passion for supporting their local communities. Jonathan Jones Ebbw Vale RFC Chairman said, “We are delighted to announce another major partner to the club in Great Annual Savings (GAS), and are looking forward to working together to not only promote the GAS brand via the Indigo Group Premiership, which is once again covered by BBC Wales and a fantastic draw to sponsors because of the TV coverage, but also to look at working with businesses in our area on helping to save them money on their energy bills. There are some major businesses in Ebbw Vale and we would love to help save them money on their energy and potentially support the club in return by doing so.
More on Great Annual Savings can be found here

Ebbw Vale RFC are proud to welcome local company AM Brickwork as sponsors for the upcoming 2019–20 Indigo Group Premiership campaign.

Antony Williams, AM Director said, “We are thrilled to be a kit partner of Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2019-20 season and delighted to be associated with our local club that is steeped in the history and traditions of Welsh club rugby. As a local business we are proud to be supporting a club that is at the heart of the local community and we are excited by the opportunities for AM Brickwork to gain exposure not just in Ebbw Vale but throughout Wales and beyond. We are looking forward to the journey ahead and to growing with Ebbw Vale RFC in what we are sure is going to be a successful season for us both.”

Jonathan Jones Ebbw Vale RFC Chairman said, “A big thank you to AM Brickwork for getting behind the club for the coming season. They are a local company and are prominent in the area working on various sites. We know that the premiership is an exciting league and with its TV coverage it gives sponsors profile across Wales. We cannot wait to display the AM Brickwork logo on our kit.

AM Brickwork www.ambrickworkcontractors.com

Would you like your child to run out as mascot with the Steelmen at one of our home games this season? The mascot will be featured in the match day programme, run onto the field with their favourite player and have the moment captured by our club photographer. If so, please contact clubsecretary@evrfc.co.uk or ebbwaddicts@yahoo.com.

The Steelmen welcome Bury St Edmunds RFC to Blaenau Gwent on Saturday, with the game kicking off at 2pm at Nantyglo RFC. There’ll be particular pleasure in catching up with the visiting coach, former Steelman Nick Wakley.
Supporters are asked to park at Nantyglo Rugby Club which will be open for refreshments.

Ebbw Vale RFC is looking to recruit volunteer stewards to help the smooth running of home games this season. Volunteers must be level 2 qualified (or working towards level 2) in stewarding, but don’t be put off if you’re not, as full training towards the necessary qualification will be provided.

To volunteer, or to find out more, please email our Club Secretary, Karl Offers

The WRU have altered their deadline for the submission of orders for 6 Nations tickets. As a consequence all requests from members must be received by 26th August 2019. This date supersedes the date shown on the forms already issued with season tickets and we apologise for the inconvenience but hope you’ll appreciate that we are bound by the Union’s timescales.
Further information will be provided, nearer to the deadline date, with details of when and where to bring your requests.

Alan and Mark will be in the clubhouse on Thursday 8th August from 6pm until 7pm to sell and distribute season tickets.

Please, if possible, collect your season ticket before the first match in order to reduce the congestion around the office as people clamour for their tickets.

The Annual General Meeting of Ebbw Vale RFC will take place at the club on Thursday, August 15th at 6:30pm. All 2018-19 members are entitled to attend and are warmly invited to do so.

As well as everything advertised on the poster, Alan and Mark will be there to distribute season  tickets to existing members and to sell season tickets to new members. There’s no better way to show your support for the Steelmen. And the best news is that season ticket prices remain the same for the third season in a row. Bargain!

Martyn Cooke, who has been Team Manager for the last four and a half seasons, has made the decision to step down  and will be replaced by Darren Venn who has been working in a variety of roles at the club including covering the Team Manager role as and when required. Martyn made the following statement:

“It’s been a very difficult decision but, it’s  with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave the club. It’s been a big part of my life for the last four years and one where I have made some good friends along the way. I have been lucky enough to work with so many talented players, experienced coaches, great back room staff and volunteers. I wish the club good luck for the coming season and will definitely support Ebbw when I can. Thanks again  – Feel The Steel!”

Darren had this this to say on his change of role: “As I embark on my third season at Ebbw I am delighted to have been appointed as Team Manager. My time at the club has been extremely enjoyable working with fantastic coaches, players and not to forget the best supporters in Wales. I have extremely big boots to fill following Martyn’s departure  but I am excited and fully committed to help the club fulfil its vision and ambitions.”

The club would like to thank Martin for his hard work and dedication during this period and wish him every success for the future, but are delighted that the experienced Darren Venn has stepped into the role to ensure a seamless transition at a busy time of the year.

Another local product joins the club for the coming season and will provide a further challenge to what is already a highly competitive area of the squad. Craig Fillier, a tough, uncompromising character – as befits a serving soldier – joins the club and, with the ability to play right across the back row, is an excellent acquisition. Craig had a brief spell with Bedwas last season but is best known for his exploits for Brynmawr RFC where he scored three tries in the Plate final at the Principality Stadium in 2018 in the highly successful team that also won Division 1 East, and has an impressive list of honours as follows:

Gwent Dragons – U16, U18s, U20s
Wales Rugby Union 18s and U20s
Wales Rugby League U19s
British Army Rugby Union (12 Caps) – Including Army Vs Navy at Twickenham and featured in the Forces World Cup.
Combined Services (2 Caps)
Plate Cup Final Winner with Brynmawr RFC – 2017/2018.

Craig said, “I am delighted to be joining such a historic, proud club as Ebbw Vale. As a local boy from Blaina, me and my dad held season tickets at the club and attended all the home games. So it’s a real privilege to be part of the team I have such fond memories of watching and admiring as a youngster. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and relish the opportunity to be a part of this great club.”

Congratulations to the following players who received awards at the club dinner on Friday night.

Dan Haymond (Clive Burgess Man of Steel)

Rhys Jones (Denzil Williams Players’ Player, Addicts Player & Top Points Scorer)

Ronny Kynes (Gareth Howls Captain’s Award)

Ashley Sweet (Ivor Evans Clubman of the Year)

Paul King (Colin Brennan Award for Most Promising Player)

Lloyd Evans (Top Try Scorer)

Ross Jones (Dr Gordon Thomas Award)

Joe Franchi was awarded his 100 appearances cap

We are pleased to announce the following pre-season matches.

At Blaenavon RFC on Thursday  August 8th at 7:30pm

At Brixham RFC on Saturday August 17th at 12:30pm

At Nantyglo RFC v Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 24th August at 2:30pm

We would like to take the opportunity to thank the officials at Nantyglo RFC for allowing us to use the excellent surface at Banna Park once again.

Indigo Group, a Welsh-based company that specialises in contracting, outsourced payroll and the umbrella industry has been named as the title sponsor for the new-look, 12-team Welsh Premiership.

The sponsorship news is a boost for the Premiership on the back of Specsavers’ backing of the WRU National Leagues and Cup.

There is further good news with the confirmation that last season’s top six Premiership clubs (Merthyr, Cardiff, Pontypridd, Llandovery, Ebbw Vale, Aberavon), will participate in a cross-border competition with Scottish Super6 clubs which will take place at the conclusion of the forthcoming season along with strong indication from all parties that last season’s extensive live television coverage of the Indigo Group Premiership will continue next season.

WRU Group Chief Executive Martyn Phillips said, “We are thrilled to welcome Indigo Group on board as Premiership title sponsors. Their energy, and the profile they will bring to the clubs and competition, will provide a significant boost to the new-look league, along with the continued high level of live television coverage and the prospect of a new cross-border competition.

“Moving to a 12-team competition will concentrate playing and coaching resources with the aim of improving standards and the re-introduction of promotion and relegation will add jeopardy to the competition. The primary purpose of the Indigo Group Premiership is for clubs to represent their communities in striving to become the best club in Wales. The league also provides the opportunity for emerging professionals to get valuable game time in a hard fought and competitive league.”

WRU Community Director Geraint John added, “We have worked closely with the Premiership clubs to secure the best possible scenario for all and we are excited at the prospect of watching the results of these changes on the Indigo Premiership this season. The clubs can look forward to a stable League structure with the added incentive of cross-border rugby at the end of the season.”

Jonathan Jones, Chairman of the Premiership Clubs commented “As a Premiership group of teams we are delighted with the faith and investment shown by the new sponsor Indigo Group and the continued support of broadcasters BBC and S4C, all of which are significant brands and now stakeholders in the Premiership.

“This is further endorsement of both the quality of rugby and development pathway that the Indigo Group Premiership provides for players, coaches and referees as well as truly representing the geography of Wales and its communities.

“And now with the prospect of playing cross boarder competition against the newly formed semi-professional teams from Scotland further raises the competition level and profile of the Indigo Group Premiership, which has already played a major role in the development of the game in Wales over the last 15 years.

“We look forward to working alongside our stakeholders and the WRU in investing and developing the league further in line with these exciting opportunities.

There will be automatic relegation for one Indigo Group Premiership club – providing the winner of the Specsavers Championship meets the A Licence criteria.

For all the Indigo Group Premiership fixtures click here.

Specsavers Cup Round One 14/09/19:
RGC v Cardiff
Aberavon v Bargoed
Cardiff Met v Ystrad Rhondda
Newport v Carmarthen
Llandovery v Ystalyfera
Neath v Trebanos
Tata Steel v Bedwas
Ebbw Vale v Narberth
Pontypool v Swansea
Beddau v Bridgend
Merthyr v Pontypridd
Maesteg Quins v Llanelli
Cross Keys v Glamorgan Wdrs

Arrival at No 10 – Thankfully its not Boris Johnson!

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of another local talent in 21 year old Ethan Phillips who will be joining the club and will be competing hard for the number 10 shirt, although he is equally comfortable at 12. Ethan is a native of Ebbw Vale who benefitted from playing two successful seasons with Brynmawr RFC where he has had the thrill of being in a winning Cup Final side at the Principality Stadium, lifting the National Plate. The 6ft 3 and 95kg Ethan enjoyed further success in the same season in winning Division 1 East.

Ethan commented, “After 2 successful seasons at Brynmawr RFC I am looking forward to a new and exciting challenge of playing in the Premiership for Ebbw Vale RFC. Since watching the Steelmen from a young age it will be a privilege to be playing at Eugene Cross Park. I would also like to thank the coaches at both Brynmawr RFC and Ebbw Vale RFC for giving me this opportunity.”

Ebbw Vale coach Greg Woods is looking forward to working with an exciting, local, young player which builds further on the ethos of developing the talent in North Gwent. Ethan adds to an already impressive number of the squad who are steeped in the values and history of North Gwent rugby that will assist in continuing to keep Ebbw Vale at the forefront of semi professional rugby in Gwent.

After performing bench duty last season, prop Carl Sully has joined Ebbw Vale from Pill Harriers. 25-year-old Carl has earned a reputation as a mighty scrummager who, although primarily a tight head is able to play loose head too. His performances have earned him the nickname ‘The Beast’ throughout the league in which he has played. On his move to the Steelmen, Carl said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the coaches and supporters of Pill Harriers for everything they have done for me over the years and got me to where I am today. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to play for a great team like Ebbw Vale in the Premiership. I do feel nervous but with hard work and dedication I will show the people of Ebbw Vale the real Beast!”

Carl Sully (in black)

19 year old Dafydd Thomas joins the club having come through the Cardiff Blues development pathway. The Aberdare based flyer joins despite strong interest from other Premiership clubs. The 6ft 1” flyer was capped by Wales at U16 level and has also represented Cardiff Blues U18’s and Pontypridd.

Dafydd said, “I’m delighted to be joining a strong and famous club like Ebbw and I am looking forward to playing in the Premiership. I already know several playes at the club and know that there is a great spirit amongst the squad that helps to deliver quality performances. I can assure the Ebbw supporters that I will be giving 100% every time I pull on that famous red, green and white jersey!”

Dafydd will be joined by fellow winger, Kane Teear Bourge, a native of Rhiwbina who has signed from Bedwas, for whom his performance against Ebbw Vale on Boxing Day greatly impressed the Ebbw coaches and officials. 20 year old Kane who is 5ft 8” and 75kg will bring a high octane, stepping attacking style to Eugene Cross Park . He has previously represented Aberavon and Welsh Academicals in 15-a-side rugby and has been starring on the 7’s circuit during the summer, with the accomplished  Samurais team being a beneficiary of Kane’s talents.

Kane commented on signing “I am looking forward to a new chapter in my rugby career at Ebbw Vale. I feel Ebbw’s style of play is a great fit for myself and it will be a privilege to pull the jersey on in front of what are passionate supporters. I am excited by the challenge  of the coming season.”
Kane Teear Bourge                                     Dafydd Thomas

Look out for more news about the club’s annual Open Day which will be held on July 20th.

The Annual Club Dinner and Presentation Evening will take place at The Welfare on Friday, June 28th, commencing 7pm. Tickets are £30 per person and are bookable via contacts on the poster, above.