Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby

As a club, we are incredibly proud of the players and staff once again this season. It has been a fantastic campaign, filled with many memorable moments and valuable lessons that we will carry forward into next year.

Considering the number of injuries we suffered after Christmas, which significantly impacted the squad, it was a remarkable achievement to secure a home playoff final. The occasion itself was a tremendous advert for both the club and the local community, and everyone involved should take great pride in what was accomplished.

Congratulations to Llandovery, who were deserved winners on the day.

However, we can look ahead to next season with real optimism and enthusiasm, particularly knowing that we have managed to retain the vast majority of our squad.

That, in itself, is a significant achievement. Many of our players will undoubtedly have received more lucrative offers from elsewhere, but their loyalty to the club and their desire to continue competing for trophies here says everything about the character and commitment within this group.

As always, there will be a small number of departures.

We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Dan Buffery, Evan Lloyd, Charlie Manship and Lewis Young for their commitment, effort and contribution to the club. We wish them every success for the future and thank them for being part of this journey.

Finally, we would also like to thank our supporters, volunteers, sponsors and everyone behind the scenes who continue to give this club such incredible backing throughout the season. Your support plays a huge part in everything we achieve, and we look forward to building again together next season.

— Jason Strange, Head Coach

Ebbw Vale suffer heartbreak in the final

The Steelmen played their second play off final in two years at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium against Llandovery RFC in front of the S4C cameras.

Within the first few minutes, Llandovery took a quick lineout inside the hosts half. A quick one-two saw the ball be passed to flyhalf Ioan Hughes who went over the line chased by Ebbw flanker Sion Parry. However, after reviewing the try on the screen, referee Carwyn Sion concluded Hughes had crossed the dead ball line and overturned his decision of a try.

Moments later there was a long pause in play. On the 14^th minute, the first substitution of the game was made by the Steelmen after number eight Owen Conquer had to leave the field with concussion after what looked like a nasty injury. Conquer was replaced by Lewis Young.  The TMO intervened and referee Sion decided to show the away side`s second row Joe Powell a yellow card for a shoulder to the head challenge. Evan Lloyd slotted the penalty to put Ebbw three points in front.

With the Drovers on the front foot. The away side were awarded a penalty when Luke Garrett committed a crock roll. The away sides number ten Hughes drew the scores level from the tee.

With a period of play being played on the away sides try line, a penalty awarded by referee Sion saw Lloyd kick to the corner.  From the resulting lineout the host`s forwards accompanied by the backs set up a driving maul and resulted in hooker Corey Lewis driving over the tryline to score the game`s first try. Lloyd kicked the conversion to put Ebbw seven points ahead.

Around the half an hour mark, some off the ball scuffling between Ebbw’s second row Curtis Gregory and Llandovery’s flanker Tom Curry saw both players sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes.

The Steelmen were reduced to thirteen for the remainder of the half when the home side scrum half Jon Evans was shown a yellow card for ripping the ball illegally.

Having kicked to the hosts twenty-two. The Drovers got quick ball off the lineout and centre Rhodri Jones sliced through the defence and scored near the posts. Hughes kicked the conversion to make it 10 all.

Despite the best efforts of the visitors, good defence by Ebbw saw the scores remain level going into the break.

Halftime: Ebbw Vale RFC 10 Llandovery RFC 10

Ebbw Vales first substitution of the second half saw coach Jason Strange bring prop Morgan Bosanko onto the field to replace Adam Williams two minutes after the interval.

The away sides second try of the game came ten minutes into the second half. After a good break by centre Abraham, quick ball out to Harri Doel, saw the winger score in the corner. However, Hughes was unable to add the extras.

Straight from the restart, a missed tackle on the away sides Jac Davies, saw the 15 make yards, draw the covering defence and pass to winger Doel, who crossed over the line unopposed. Hughes sliced the conversion through the uprights.

A further change by the Steelmen saw prop Adam Court replace Luke Garrett.

After applying the pressure, the Drovers sealed their win with thirteen minutes to go. After some clever football by the retiring Lee Rees, the scrum half fended off a defender to dive on the ball and score Llandovery’s fourth try of the game to give his side a seventeen-point lead. Hughes sent the ball wide of the uprights.

The hosts coach Strange made various substitutions in the closing moments, with scrum half Gruff Tough replacing Jon Evans, flanker Dylan Burrows came on for Alfred Bateman – Lloyd, centre and captain Dom Franchi went off to be replaced by Cameron Davies, winger Ryan Gardner came on for Mitch Rankine and hooker James Talamai came on for Corey Lewis.

Ebbw were to see out the game with fourteen after referee Sion viewed the monitor and decided to show second row Dylan Bartlett a red card for head contact on an opposing player at the ruck. From the penalty, Hughes sent the ball wide of the posts to bring the game to a close.

Fulltime: Ebbw Vale RFC 10 Llandovery RFC 27

Try: Corry Lewis

Conversion: Evan Lloyd

Penalty: Evan Lloyd

S4C Man of the Match: Sion Parry

Everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC would like to thank their volunteers, sponsors and supporters for their support during season and look forward to seeing you again next season

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

SRC GRAND FINAL

The day has finally arrived! The Steelmen entertain Llandovery RFC at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium in the Grand Final of Super Rygbi Cymru. This is the 3rd meeting between the two teams with the Steelmen winning at CINER GLASS and  Church Bank earlier in the season.

Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the squad from the semi-final over Newport RFC. Mitch Rankine retains his place on the wing with Alfred Bateman Lloyd starting in the back row in place of Ben Main. Corey Lewis plays his second game for the Steelmen at hooker on permit from Bridgend, while young Dragons hooker James Talamai retains his place on the bench. Dylan Burrows also comes into the match day squad. Dom Franchi continues as captain.

Here is the Ebbw Vale team

15 Dylan Edwards 14 Mitch Rankine 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi (c) 11 Dafydd Thomas 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans

1 Luke Garrett 2 Corey Lewis 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 7 Sion Parry 8 Owen Conquer

Replacements

16 James Talamai 17 Adam Court 18 Morgan Bosanko 19 Dylan Burrows 20 Lewis Young 21 Gruff Tough 22 Cameron Davies 23 Ryan Gardner

We caught up Dom Franchi recently to discuss the Grand Final…

Games don’t come bigger than this… the Grand Final going toe to toe with Llandovery. It’s going to be a great occasion for both teams with fans, families and friends all being present in what’s going to be a great game! We know it’s going to take a complete 80 minute performance to come away with the victory but as a group we are chomping at the bit to get on the field.

We know that Llandovery are a great team who are solid upfront and with pace behind but for us it’s about focusing on the things we can control and executing our game plan to the best of our ability.

Lastly I’d like to thank all the Ebbw fans who travel week in week out to games supporting us whatever the weather forecast might be!

We really wouldn’t be playing in these types of games without you. We all look forward to seeing you all pack the bank on Sunday and we as players will do our best to get over the line.”

Match Tickets

Reminder that tickets can be purchased online at the following link:

Super Rygbi Cymru Final – Ebbw Vale RFC v Llandovery RFC

Full Price: £15

Concession: £10

Tickets can also be paid for with with cash or card on the day

Souvenir Match Programme

There is a special souvenir match programme that has been created for this game. This will cost £3 and can be purchased from the club programme sellers in the ground .

Match Information

SRC GRAND FINAL

Ebbw Vale RFC v Llandovery RFC

SUNDAY 10th May

CiNER GLASS Community Stadium

Kick Off 4.45pm

Steelmen reach SRC Final

Ebbw played Newport RFC in the semi final of the SRC play offs, in front of the S4C cameras at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium. An hour before the game, a heavy down pour of rain made the pitch wet and slippery. The game saw Hooker Corey Lewis make his debut for Ebbw Vale on permit from Bridgend Ravens.

Within the first few minutes of kick-off, Ebbw Vale number seven Sion Parry was shown a yellow card by referee Adam Jones for being off his feet and slapping the ball down earning him 10 minutes in the sin bin.

After applying pressure, from a rolling maul, the Black and Ambers forwards got up a head of steam and scored the first try of the game through number four Josh Skinner. Jac Lloyd slotting the ball through the uprights to put his team seven nil up.

With the weather ramping up, knock-ons and overthrown lineouts from both teams made the game stop/start.

A lovely 50-22 kick by the hosts outside half Evan Lloyd, put the home side on the front foot. The visitors number 12 Harri Ackerman was sent to the sin bin by referee Jones for three continues offsides.

The Steelmen were forced into an early change when Ben Main went off due to injury with Alfred Bateman-Lloyd replacing the flanker.

After going through phase after phase, Ebbw thought they had scored their first try of the game through Corey Lewis. However, the TMO overturned the decision with an Ebbw Vale player knocking the ball on at the base of the ruck.

With the game approaching half time, the Steelmen were reduced to fourteen again when Alfred Bateman-Lloyd was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle.

Halftime: Ebbw Vale RFC 0 Newport RFC 7

At the start of the second half, Ebbw coach Jason Strange replaced prop Adam Williams with Morgan Bosanko.

With Newport knocking the ball on and a player in front of the ball, Ebbw were awarded a penalty which was kicked to the corner. However, the Steelmen were unable to collect the ball at the lineout, and the visitors cleared their lines.

The tide had started to turn, with the Steelmen forwards gaining metres every time they had the ball. With referee Jones penalising the Black and Ambers, a kick to the corner by Ebbw Vale’s Evan Lloyd saw the home side win the line out and set a rolling maul. Joined by the backs, number two Corey Lewis benefited to score Ebbw’s first try of the game. The conversion went wide from the home side’s Lloyd.

After being awarded a penalty in the away side’s twenty-two, fly half Lloyd sent the ball through the posts to put his team in front for the first time in the game.

Further ill-discipline by Newport, saw second row Josh Skinner spend ten minutes in the sin bin. With the penalty, Lloyd stepped up and delivered to put Ebbw four points in front.

Ebbw were awarded another penalty just inside the away side’s half. Lloyd smashed the ball, however it only just missed the uprights.

From the drop out, the away side’s fly half Jac Lloyd took a quick tap and was adjudged to have been fouled by the Steelmen’s hooker Corey Lewis. Lewis was shown a yellow card as a result.

Inside the last five minutes of the game, good back play by the Black and Ambers saw replacement Harrison James go through a gap in the hosts defence, draw the player and pass to winger Fin Baker, who scored in the corner to put the away side 11-12 in front. Number ten Jac Lloyd kicked the conversion to make it a three-point game.

With minutes to go Ebbw coach Strange then brought on Lewis Young, Adam Court and Gruff Tough for prop Luke Garrett, scrum half Jon Evans and number eight Owen Conquer.

With the home side still down to fourteen, winger Mitch Rankine came off for hooker James Talamai to come on, with Ebbw having a lineout 2 metres away from the Black and Ambers tryline.

After having the lineout disrupted, the Steelmen forwards regrouped, went through phase after phase to get within a few metres of the tryline. Brilliant thinking from the hosts replacement Gruff Tough, saw the scrum half put in a pinpoint cross-field kick to fullback Dylan Edwards out on the wing. With little space on his outside, Edwards jumped up into the air and caught the ball, rolling over the tryline with his opposite number underneath him, he dotted the ball down and scored to score the winning try of the game. Lloyd hammered the ball through the sticks.

Newport was allowed to restart the game. However, the ball was knocked on, and referee Jones brought a titanic battle to a close, sending the home side fans into eruption of cheers and the Steelmen into their second final of the Super Rygbi Cymru play offs, where they will play against Llandovery RFC.

Fulltime: Ebbw Vale RFC 18 Newport RFC 14

Tries: Corey Lewis (1), Dylan Edwards (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (1)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

Ebbw Vale RFC will play Llandovery RFC in the final of the SRC play offs at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Sunday 10^th May 2026, with kick off at 4:45pm, tickets available https://evrfc.short.gy/e8LsIu

The game will be shown live on S4C.

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

Ebbw sneak through to the Semi-Final 

Ebbw played Bridgend Ravens on a lovely day at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium, in the quarter final of the Super Rygbi Cymru play offs. The game saw prop Adam Williams make his 50th appearance for the club. 

Within minutes off the kick off, from a maul in the Steelmen’s twenty-two, referee Ben Whitehouse awarded Bridgend a penalty try and yellow carded flanker Ben Main for ill discipline at the maul.  

Moments later Ebbw struck back, when full back Morgan Richards scored in the corner. Flyhalf Evan Lloyd slotted the conversion to make it seven all.  

Momentum swung back and forth between both teams, until with the last play before halftime the away side struck again. Centre Gethin O’ Callaghan used his strength to go over the line despite being tackled. The conversion was successfully kicked by Lloyd Wilkins to bring the first half to a close.  

Halftime: Ebbw Vale RFC 7 Bridgend Ravens 14 

The home side coach Jason Strange made his sides first changes of the game when Alfred Bateman- Lloyd and Morgan Bosanko came on for prop Adam Williams and second row Dylan Burrows.  

The hosts hit back to draw the scores level. From a rolling maul inside the visitors twenty-two, Ebbw hooker and top try scorer Ieuan Morris dived over the line. Lloyd added the extras to make the score 14 all.  

Minutes later Jason Strange made further changes when Owen Conquer, who returned from injury and Gruff Tough came on for flanker Ben Main and fullback Morgan Richards.  

However, the Ravens were to take the lead once again. A good run by Tom Florence, saw the centre break through tackles in the middle of the pitch and score Bridgend’s third try of the game. Wilkins added the extras.  

The home side forwards then got the grit between their teeth and responded with a try of their own. After good work by the forwards, the ball made its way to replacement Tough, who powered over the line, despite being tackled by the visitor’s players. Number ten Lloyd let the ball soar through the posts to make it 21 all with 15 minutes left to play.  

Further changes by Ebbw Vale coach Strange saw outside half Tom Price, centre Cameron Davies and prop Adam Court replace Jon Evans, Luke Garrett and Dom Franchi.   

The decisive score then came from the hosts. From a lineout inside the Bridgend twenty-two the Ebbw forwards got the maul going and hooker Ieuan Morris benefited to score the try.  Outside half Lloyd was on fire with the conversions to put his team 28 – 21 ahead.  

Replacement prop Adam Court had to be replaced by Luke Garrett and with the game ending, number eight Ryan Jenkins was helped off the field and replaced by hooker James Talamai.  

Despite the best efforts of both sides no further points were added to the scoreboard and the Steelmen progressed to the semifinal. 

Fulltime: Ebbw Vale RFC 28 Bridgend Ravens 21 

Tries: Morgan Rees (1), Ieuan Morris (2), Gruff Tough (1) 

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3) 

Ebbw Addicts Man of the match: Sion Parry  

Ebbw Vale’s next game is the play off semi-final against Newport RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Sunday 3rd May 2026, with kick off 16:45. The game is shown live in front of the S4C Clic cameras. 

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans 

Ebbw win a last-minute game

The game was played at Dunvant RFC on a sunny spring afternoon. The team sheet saw a late change for Ebbw on the bench, Harry Arundel replaced Morgan Richards. The game was intense and tight until the final whistle.

Swansea came bouncing out of the blocks when winger Liam Lloyd scored the opening try of the game. Josh Phillips sent the conversion wide of the posts to make it five nil to the All Whites. Tom Price slotted a penalty to put Ebbw five, three down. The game was back and forth until the 29^th minute when Swansea number six Iwan Shenton was red carded for what had seemed to be a barge in the back of an away side’s player, leaving referee Paul Newman with no other option. A catch from the lineout saw Steelmen hooker Ieuan Morris score from the rolling maul. Price was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Ebbw were forced into their first change of the game when Harry Arundel replaced Dylan Bartlett due to injury.

Despite being reduced to fourteen men, two quick tries for the hosts by Lewis Edwards and Matthew Aubrey, both converted by number ten Phillips, saw Swansea take an eleven point lead into the half time interval.

Halftime: Swansea RFC 19 Ebbw Vale RFC 8

The second half got off to a bad start for the home side when fullback Matt Protheroe was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on. A few minutes later the Steelmen were awarded a penalty try by referee Newman and prop Kian Hire was sent to the sin bin to spend 10 minutes on the sidelines.

Ebbw took advantage of the numerical advantage when hooker Ieuan Morris scored his second try of the game from the lineout and driving maul. Price slotted the conversion.

The visitors coach Jason Strange made a further change when prop Adam Court replaced Morgan Bosanko.

The away sides centre Cameron Davies used his strength to muscle his way over the line to score Ebbw’s bonus point try. Price added the extras to give his side a ten-point lead on the scoreboard.

After good work by the Swansea forwards, replacement flanker Callum Bowden charged over the line, with Phillips converting the conversion.

The Steelmen hen changed scrum half Dan Buffrey for Carter Pritchard and Joe Rees-Weldon came on for Ben Main.

Three consecutive penalties in a row against the away side saw Ebbw second row Curtis Gregory receive a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on All Whites replacement lock Theo Currie on the wing.

From a lineout by Swansea, their rolling maul got taken down close to the try line illegally by Ebbw, giving referee Newman no choice but to award a penalty try to the home side and a yellow card for the visitors prop Luke Garrett.

Ebbw Vale’s finally changes of the game saw prop Regan Jones come on to make his debut to replace Joe Rees-Weldon due to the yellow card to Garrett and a scrum being awarded, Ryan Gardner replaced Dom Franchi and Alfred Bateman-Lloyd came on for Harry Arundel.

Going into the last minute of the game, a break by Ebbw Vale winger Dafydd Thomas deep into the hosts twenty-two, saw Swansea twenty-three Iwan Glynn receive a yellow card for failing to release the man in the tackle. Price dinked the ball to the corner and Ebbw saw Morris get his hattrick of tries in the corner, after a team effort to break the All-Whites’ hearts at the death. Priced missed the final conversion to close out the game.

Fulltime: Swansea RFC 33 Ebbw Vale RFC 34 

After the game we spoke to Ebbw Vale scrum half Dan Buffrey. Dan said he enjoyed the game. He thought the wind made the first half trickier than it should had been. He praised the team for starting well in the second half and capitalising on Swansea’s two yellow cards by scoring two tries. Dan finished by saying that the team made it hard work for themselves to get the win but it was good to win the game in the end.

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

Ebbw lose against RGC  

Injury hit Ebbw failed to secure top spot after losing their second home game in a row against RGC on a dry but windy afternoon.  

RGC were quick to come out of the blocks when flyhalf Billy McBryde slotted a penalty early on, to put his team three points to the good.  

However, the Steelmen immediately hit back. Despite the home side’s best efforts to score a try, number ten Tom Price kicked a penalty to bring the scores level.  

Despite the first half never igniting, the game was back-and-forth between the two teams; however, poor handling or ill-discipline stopped any momentum for either side.  

A few minutes before half-time, the visitors took the lead again. From a penalty inside the halfway line, the Gogs’ fly half, McBride, sent the ball through the middle of the sticks.   

Halftime: Ebbw Vale RFC 3 RGC 6  

A few minutes into the second half, Ebbw coach Jason Strange made his team’s first substitution of the game when Ben Main replaced flanker Joe Rees-Weldon.  

The home side eventually got a foothold in the game and took the lead when, from a lineout, Ebbw set up a rolling maul which was finished off with a try being scored by hooker and top try scorer Ieuan Morris. The conversion was successful by outside half Price to put the Steelmen four points ahead.  

With the hosts trying to stamp their authority on the game, referee Keith David reduced the visitors to fourteen after showing RGC prop Patrick Nelson a yellow card for ill-discipline.  

The numbers were soon to be equal again when referee David showed Steelmen replacement Ben Main a yellow card for ill-discipline.  

The home side’s coach, Strange, then changed the front row when Adam Court replaced prop Luke Garrett, Regan Jones came on for prop Morgan Bosanko, and Charlie Manship replaced hooker Ieuan Morris due to injury. A further change by the hosts saw replacement scrum half Rory Harries come on for Dan Buffrey.  

The away side then made the decisive strike. After collecting a high ball in his own half, the Gogs winger Ciao Parry evaded numerous tacklers to race half the pitch to score in the corner. Outside half McBride kicked an excellent conversion from the touchline.  

The final score of the game was in favour of the visitors. Replacement scrum half Connor Dever darted down the blindside from just inside the Ebbw half to go over the line unopposed. With the last kick of the game, McBryde was successful with the conversion.  

Fulltime: Ebbw Vale RFC 10 RGC 18  

Try scorer: Ieuan Morris (1) 

Conversion: Tom Price (1) 

Penalty: Tom Price (1) 

Ebbw Vale’s final game of the league before the play-offs is away to Carmarthen RFC at Carmarthen Park, with kick-off at 2:30pm. 

Written By Alex Kinsella-Evans  

The Steelmen finally return to Super Rygbi Cymru action against Newport RFC today with the first game at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium of 2026. The game will once again see the Steelmen defend the SRC Challengers Shield.

Jason Strange makes a number of changes to the Steelmen squad with Ethan Phillips returning at centre and Ben Main starting in the back row . Joe Franchi and Luke Garrett come into the front row with Joe captaining the team. On the bench Adam Court returns with Rory Harries and Joe Rees-Weldon also coming into the squad.

The match also sees Ryan Jenkins passing 50 appearances for the Steelmen.

The full squad is al follows:

15 Dylan Edwards 14 Morgan Rees 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Dafydd Thomas 10 Tom Price 9 Jon Evans

1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (c) 3 Morgan Bosanko 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Ben Main 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins

REPLACEMENTS

16 Ieuan Morris 17 Morgan Williams 18 Adam Court 19 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 20 Joe Rees-Weldon 21 Rory Harries 22 Cam Davies 23 Morgan Richards

Match Information

Ebbw Vale RFC v Newport RFC

Saturday 21st March

CiNER GLASS Community Stadium

Kick Off 2.30pm

Ticket Information

Tickets for the match can be purchased at the following link: Ebbw Vale RFC v Newport RFC

Full Price: £15

Concession: £10

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day (Cash or Card can be used)

As we prepare to return to Super Rygbi Cymru action against Newport RFC on Saturday, the Steelmen spoke with Head Coach Jason Strange on the season so far…

“First of all, we would like to welcome new players Tom Price and Dylan Burrows to the club, we’re looking forward to seeing them become part of the group.

For us, it has been another excellent season as part of our continued journey. We currently sit top in the SRC league and remain unbeaten at home in the league for the past 18 months. The attitude , commitment and mentality of the squad has once again been outstanding this season.

We’ve had several key players sidelined with injuries recently, but we won’t use that as an excuse — it only brings us closer together as a team.

I’m proud that we’ve stayed true to our history and reputation as a club. Winning is vital — but not at the cost of losing our club or ground. We stick to the rules, we do not exceed the salary cap, and we do not compromise our principles for short-term gain. We firmly believe success should always be achieved the right way.

The league will always remain our priority as a club. It represents the true test of consistency over a full season, and we remain fully focused on finishing the campaign strongly while continuing to build in a sustainable and responsible way.

While we respect all competitions, the SRC cup was not our primary focus this season. We believe it presents an opportunity for review to ensure it works as effectively as possible for all clubs moving forward.

The SRC league delivered a strong and consistent product up until Christmas, with regular fixtures and a high standard of competition. In recent months that momentum has been more difficult to maintain, and we believe constructive discussions are needed about how the competition can continue to improve going forward.

We are really looking forward to restarting the league campaign over the coming weeks and continuing the momentum we have built so far this season.

Thanks for your continued support. Once again it has been outstanding this season and is really appreciated by the team.”

You may have noticed a new name on the team sheet for the recent semi-final against Newport RFC. 

We would like to welcome to the Steelmen, outside half Tom Price, who signs from Bedford Blues. 

Tom began his rugby at Cleve RFC before progressing to be part of the Bristol Bears Academy. Tom then played for the likes of Chinnor and Hartpury University before moving to Australia to play for Gordon in South Sydney in the Shute Shield. Last season, Tom played for Biella Rugby in Italy helping the side to win promotion into the Serie A division for the first time in the club’s history. He returned to the UK to sign for Bedford Blues over the summer. 

We are excited to welcome Tom to the Steelmen for the rest of the Super Rygbi Cymru season… 

Also, signing for Ebbw Vale is Dylan Burrows, who signs from Bridgend Ravens. 

Dylan, who can play in both the second and back row, is a product of Tonyrefail RFC, captaining their youth side before going onto play for the senior team. 

Dylan made his debut for Bridgend against Newport RFC in the second row alongside a certain Jack Pope before signing permanently at the start of the 2023/24 season. 

Welcome to the Steelmen, Dylan! 

Club Statement

SRC Cup Semi Final v Newport RFC

On behalf of the Board of Ebbw Vale RFC, I would like to take the opportunity to explain to our members, sponsors and wider community the reasons for the confusion around the above game.  The date for Semi Finals of the Cup and Plate has been in the calendar from July 2025. With Newport RFC topping their pool, the fixture would be played at their home pitch on Saturday 28^th February at 2.30pm.

On Monday 23^rd February, Ebbw Vale RFC were informed that there was to be a change of date and venue, to Sunday 1st March,  with the game taking place at Rodney Parade.

The rational given was that Newport City were playing at Spytty Park on Sunday and the posts could not be changed over in time.  At no point was it explained why this is such an issue, other than a vague comment that there is no one available to carry out the work. As a club Ebbw Vale RFC have a great deal of experience in carrying out this task and are surprised at the claim it could not be done in 24 hours.

We informed Newport that we could not meet this expectation due to player availability with the front row being the major issue. At this point Newport RFC referred the issue to the WRU. Unfortunately, the Rules and Regulations allow the home club to choose a day and suitable venue regardless of the opinion of the away team.

On Tuesday 24^th February, we were made aware by a member of the WRU Community Game Board that Newport had consulted with them on the Rules and Regulations.  Later that day, we found out that the game had been moved to Sunday 1^st March and would now be played at Rodney Parade, not via a conversation with Newport or the WRU, but via an announcement on Newport social media channels.  Ebbw Vale asked the WRU to consider the mitigating circumstances and appeal to Newport to reconsider. This appeal was unsuccessful.  As a club, we have spent most of this week trying to deal with player availability issues which has ended in several of our players having to change work commitments at short notice, which is not easy to do in today’s work environment.

We waited until the final decisions were reached before publicising the change of date or venue as that is the professional way to manage such situations.

As a board, we are mere custodians of community institutions that rugby clubs are and as a board at Ebbw Vale I would like to reassure you that we will never indulge in such behaviour and will manage the club with WRU key core values, respect and sportsmanship in all circumstances – something that Newport have categorically not done on this occasion.

As a club we will make no further comment on this issue and our attention now turns to this afternoon’s game.

Jon Jones

Director on Behalf of the Board

Ebbw Vale RFC

The Steelmen return to action in the SRC Cup today with a group fixture against Bridgend Ravens at the Electric Brewery Field. The Steelmen sit in second place in the group following the decision that the postponed game against Swansea RFC will not be replayed. Both teams have being awarded 2 points for a 0-0 draw so the Steelmen have 7 points from two games.

Jason Strange makes a number of changes to the squad that defeated Aberavon RFC in the last match. Jon Evans comes into the starting XV at scrum half. Ethan Phillips also returns with Cam Davies moving to inside centre. Morgan Rees starts on the wing with Dylan Edwards returning at full back

In the pack Joe Franchi and Adam Williams start in the front row, while Harry Arundel starts his first game for the Steelmen in the 2nd row. Mitch Rankine will be looking to make his debut for the Steelmen from the bench.

The full Steelmen squad is as follows:

15 Dylan Edwards 14 Morgan Rees 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Cam Davies 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Will Ford 9 Jon Evans

1 Morgan Williams 2 Joe Franchi (c) 3 Adam Williams 4 Harry Arundel 5 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 6 Ben Main 7 Joe Rees-Weldon 8 Lewis Young

REPLACEMENTS

16 Charlie Manship 17 Luke Garrett 18 Morgan Bosanko 19 Dylan Bartlett 20 Sion Parry 21 Rory Harries 22 Dom Franchi 23 Mitch Rankine

Match Information

Bridgend Ravens v Ebbw Vale RFC

Saturday 14th February

2.30pm

Electric Brewery Field

Ebbw’s SRC Cup starts
After last weeks postponed game against Swansea RFC, the Steelmen got their SRC Cup journey underway in a game that was played in terrible weather conditions at The Wern, Merthyr RFC.
The game saw young number ten Will Ford and full back Morgan Rees make their debuts for the team, and Harry Arundel make his debut from the bench. The latter, being brought in from the start as a late replacement for Dylan Edwards, who had to miss out due to injury.
The Wizards scored the first points of the game. After starting the game on the front foot, Aberavon flanker Cameron Loveys finished off a well put together move to score in the corner. Number ten Keillen Cullen hit the uprights with his conversion.
The hosts were forced into an early change when winger Ewan Bowden had to be replaced by Evan Lloyd due to injury. This saw Morgan Rees move out to the wing.
After continuing strongly, the visitors scored their second try of the game. Good work by the away sides pack led to a quick ball out to winger Noah Mason to go over out wide. Cullen was again unable to add the extras.
With the visitors dominant, the hosts had some possession in the Aberavon half. After being awarded a penalty inside the Wizards twenty-two, fly half Ford got Ebbw’s first points of the half from the tee.
A second enforced change for the home side saw replacement Evan Lloyd have to be replaced by Ethan Phillips, again due to injury.
The Steelmen had the grit between their teeth. A great 50:22 by winger Ryan Gardner put the home side in the visitors twenty-two. From the lineout, the ball made its way out to centre Cameron Davies, who used his strength to barge through tacklers to score. Ford sent the ball through the posts to level the scores at ten all.
A penalty to the away side, kicked by Cullen right in front of the posts, saw Aberavon lead by three points going into the break.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 10 Aberavon RFC 13

Ebbw Vale took the lead for the first time in the game, when after being awarded a penalty, outside half Ford kicked the ball to the corner. From the lineout, the hosts forwards got the rolling maul going, and hooker Ieuan Morris benefited by diving over the line to score. Ford continued with his fine form from the boot to extend the home sides lead to four points.
However, within minutes the Wizard retook the lead. From a scrum five metres out, centre Sam Matthews crossed to score his sides third try of the game. Number ten Cullen added the extras.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange decided to make changes. Props Morgan Williams and Morgan Bosanko left the field and was replaced by Adam Williams and Luke Garrett.
The visitors were to be reduced to fourteen men, when after an hour, referee Cai Lewis awarded a penalty try to the hosts and sent the Wizards prop Jordan Walters to the sidelines to spend ten minutes in the sin bin.
Ebbw coach Strange replaced Morgan Rees with the returning Jon Evans and Jack Pope came on for Joe Rees-Weldon.
However, within a minute of coming on, flanker Pope had to leave the field due to a nasty looking injury. Harry Arundel came on to make his debut.
The decisive points came when from good play by Ebbw, second row Alfred Bateman-Lloyd crossed to score the bonus point try. Ford continued his 100 percent record from the tee to put the hosts eleven points to the good.
The final try of the game went to the visitors. From a lineout in the Steelmen’s twenty-two, the ball was passed out to fly half Cullen, who went over in the corner. Cullen sent the conversion wide of the posts.
Despite late pressure from the Wizards, and referee Lewis sending Ebbw Vale prop Luke Garrett to the sin bin late into stoppage time, the away side were unable to capitalise and referee Lewis brought the game to a close.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 31 Aberavon RFC 25

Tries: Cameron Davies (1), Ieuan Morris (1), Penalty try (1), Alfred Bateman-Lloyd (1)
Conversions: Will Ford (3)
Penalty: Will Ford (1)

Ebbw Vale RFC’s next game is in the SRC Cup, away to Bridgend Ravens at the Electric Brewery Field on Saturday 14th February 2026, with kick off at 2:30pm.

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

The Steelmen finally get their SRC  Cup campaign underway with a ‘home’ fixture against Aberavon RFC today. Due to the recent weather, the Steelmen pitch has been deemed unplayable so the fixture has been moved to the Wern, Merthyr RFC with a 1.30pm kick off.

Jason Strange has made just one change to the squad that was selected for the postponed fixture against Swansea RFC last weekend. Morgan Rees, signed from Queensland in the summer, comes into the squad following injury, to make his debut for the Steelmen. Will Ford and Harry Arundel will also be looking to make their debuts at the second attempt.

The full squad is as follows:

15 Dylan Edwards 14 Ryan Gardner 13 Cam Davies 12 Dom Franchi (c) 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Will Ford 9 Dan Buffery

1 Morgan Williams 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Morgan Bosanko 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 6 Ben Main 7 Joe Rees-Weldon 8 Lewis Young

Replacements

16 Charlie Manship 17 Luke Garrett 18 Adam Williams 19 Jack Pope 20 Harry Arundel 21 Jon Evans 22 Evan Lloyd 23 Morgan Rees

Match Information

Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC

Saturday 7th February

The Wern, Merthyr RFC

1.30pm

Purchase Tickets: SRC Cup – Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC

Parking Information

Parking will be available at the ground in the Wern2 Car Park

Pass the ground and turn right as you pass the grass field. Follow road around to the gym complex and enter there.

Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders

Season Tickets are valid for home  cup games during the group stage of the SRC Cup

The Steelmen return to action in the SRC Cup, which will see the team play 4 group matches over the next 4 weekends. The Cup sees to groups of 5 teams with the top two in each group going into the cup semi-finals. A further change from last season will see the 3rd and 4th placed teams in the groups facing each other in the plate.

First up, is a trip to Broadacre to face Swansea RFC today with a 2.30pm kick off.

Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the squad with young, Dragons Academy prospect Will Ford making his debut at outside half. The game sees the return of Jon Evans to the match day squad following injury in the cup final last season. Harry Arundel will also look to make his full debut for the Steelmen from the bench. Dom Franchi will skipper the side.

The full Ebbw Vale squad is as follows:

15 Dylan Edwards 14 Ryan Gardner 13 Cam Davies 12 Dom Franchi (c) 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Will Ford 9 Dan Buffery

1 Morgan Williams 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Morgan Bosanko 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 6 Ben Main 7 Joe Rees-Weldon 8 Lewis Young

Substitutes

16 Charlie Manship 17 Luke Garrett 18 Adam Williams 19 Jack Pope 20 Harry Arundel 21 Jon Evans 22 Evan Lloyd 23 Ethan Phillips

Match Information

Swansea RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC

Broadacre

Kick Off 2.30pm

Reminder that Swansea RFC are currently playing all fixtures at Dunvant RFC.

The full address for Dunvant RFC is:

Broadacre, Killay, Upper Killay, Swansea SA2 7RU

Ebbw lose on the road

The Steelmen met their match against a determined Cardiff side in their first game at Cardiff Arms Park, after a three-week break.

The home side went ahead within the first five minutes when hooker Alun Rees crossed the line from a driving maul inside the visitors twenty-two. However, flyhalf Harri Wilde sent the conversion wide.

The hosts scored their second try of the game shortly afterwards when Evan Rees scored. Again, Wilde missed the conversion.

The Rags scored their third try of the half when centre Elijah Evans showed his speed to cross the line. Wilde sent the ball through the posts to extend his teams lead to seventeen points.

The visitors scored their first try of the game when from concerted pressure, full back Morgan Richards crossed the line to score out wide. Outside half Evan Lloyd added the extras.

With the first half deep into injury time, good work by the Ebbw Vale forwards was rewarded with flanker Sion Parry scoring the Steelmen’s second try. Lloyd was unable to add the extras.

Halftime: Cardiff RFC 17 Ebbw Vale RFC 12

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange started to ring the changes. Firstly, scrum half Rory Harries and prop Adam Williams left the field and were replaced by Gruff Tough and Morgan Bosanko, then hooker Ieuan Morris came on for captain Joe Franchi.

With both teams taking it to each other, neither side was able to add to the scoreboard until just before the hour mark.

The first try of the second half was scored by the home sides winger Dewi Cross, who scored out wide after good work by the Blue and Blacks. Wilde was unsuccessful with the conversion.

The hosts took the game further away from Ebbw when full back Joe Goodchild collected the ball to score by the posts. Flyhalf Wilde added the extras to widen the gap to 17 points.

The visitors were forced into a further change when replacement Gruff Tough was forced off due to injury. Dylan Edwards came on for Tough.

Shortly afterwards prop Morgan Williams and second row Alfred Bateman-Lloyd came onto the field for Luke Garrett and Curtis Gregory.

With the game entering the final ten minutes, a penalty by home number ten Wilde extended the lead further.

Cardiff scored their sixth try of the contest courtesy of Gwilym Bradley. Wilde was unsuccessful with the conversion.

The away sides final replacements saw centre Cameron Davies and number eight Lewis Young enter the field for Dom Franchi and Ryan Jenkins.

Late on, referee Keith David sent Cardiff replacement Joe Williams to the sin bin for the remainder of the game.

With the final play of the match, the Steelmen scored a consolation try. Replacement Dylan Edwards crossed after pressure by the away side. Lloyd brought the game to a close by sending the ball through the middle of the posts.

Full Time: Cardiff RFC 37 Ebbw Vale RFC 19

Tries: Morgan Richards (1), Sion Parry (1), Dylan Edwards (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (2)

The club would like to thank the fans who made the trip to the capital, for their amazing support for the team during and after the game.

Ebbw Vale’s attention now turns to the cup, with their next game against Swansea RFC at Dunvent RFC on Sunday 1st February 2026, with kick off at 2:30pm.

Written by Alex Kisella-Evans

The Steelmen head to the capital today to face Cardiff RFC as part of a double header at Cardiff Arms Park. The Steelmen face Cardiff RFC at 4.25pm before the URC clash between Cardiff Rugby and Benetton. The Steelmen beat Cardiff RFC by 60 – 20 at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium in September.

In their last match, the Steelmen beat Llandovery at Church Bank by 41 -14, and Jason Strange makes just one change from that team with Adam Williams coming into the starting XV. Joe Franchi will captain the squad with Dylan Edwards looking to make an impact from the bench.

The full Steelmen team is as follows:

15 Morgan Richards 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries

1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (c) 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 Morgan Bosanko 19 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 20 Lewis Young 21 Gruff Tough 22 Dylan Edwards 23 Cam Davies

Match Information

Cardiff RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC

Saturday 24th January

Cardiff Arms Park

Kick Off 4.25pm

#FeelTheSteel

SRC heavyweight clash

Second played first on a cold but dry Saturday evening in front of the S4c cameras at Church Bank, Llandovery.

First points of the game were awarded to the away side after outside half Evan Lloyd kicked a penalty within the first five minutes.

Shortly afterwards, the hosts scored the first try of the game. A neat kick out wide saw an unforced error put the Drovers on the front foot inside the Ebbw twenty-two. Good backs play saw the ball go out wide to the home side winger Kian Abraham, who was strong enough to fend off the covering defender to score. Fullback Jack Maynard sent the ball through the posts to add the extras.

Just short of the twenty-minute mark, the Steelmen hit back. Good play by Ebbw forwards and backs saw the ball end up in outside half Lloyd’s hands.  Lloyd took the ball to the line and despite being tackled, offloaded to flanker Sion Parry, who drew the last man and passed to the supporting Dom Franchi, who went over the line unopposed. Number ten Lloyd kicked the conversion.

After being awarded a penalty just inside the Llandovery half, flyhalf Lloyd sent the ball to the corner. From the resulting lineout, the Ebbw Vale forwards assisted by some backs set up the driving maul and Sion Parry crossed the line. Lloyd kicked the conversion successfully.

Halftime: Llandovery RFC 7 Ebbw Vale RFC 17

Within a minute of the restart, the visitors extended their lead further. After a good catch by winger Dafydd Thomas from a Rory Harries box kick, the ball went through the backs` hands to outside centre Ethan Phillips. Phillips pushed off his opposite number, sliced through a gap to draw the last defender and put in his centre partner Franchi for his second try of the game.  Lloyd added the two points from the tee.

The hosts immediately hit back. With a penalty just outside the Ebbw try line. With a tap and go from the penalty, prop Jamie Hughes dived over the tryline to score his teams` second try of the game. Maynard kicked the conversion.

Ebbw Vale secured a bonus point try when referee Ben Whitehouse awarded the Steelmen a free kick from a scrum inside the Drover`s twenty-two. A tap and go by captain Joe Franchi saw the hooker get tackled close to the line, quick ball out to number eight Ryan Jenkins, saw Jenkins use his speed and strength to run an excellent line and go over the line to score the away side`s fourth try.  Lloyd sent the ball through the uprights.

The visitors` coach Jason Strange made numerous substitutions, firstly prop Adam Williams and hooker Ieuan Morris came on to the field for Morgan Bosanko and Joe Franchi. Within minutes Alfred Bateman Lloyd replaced flanker Jack Pope and then scrumhalf Gruff Tough, prop Morgan Williams and centre Cameron Davies replaced Rory Harries, Luke Garrett and Dom Franchi. With approximately ten minutes left of the game, Dylan Edwards entered the field to replace fullback Morgan Richards.

Despite the best efforts of both teams, the next points did not come until the seventy- third minute. referee Whitehouse awarded the league leaders a penalty for offside just outside the Drover`s twenty-two. Flyhalf Lloyd kicked the penalty to extend his sides` lead to twenty points.

The away sides` finally change of the game saw number eight Ryan Jenkins leave the field to be replaced by Lewis Young.

With the game in stoppage time, a missed placed pass by a Llandovery player saw the ball bounce in midfield around the halfway line, the visitors` young replacement centre Cameron Davies picked up the bobbling ball and stretched his legs to charge over to score the game`s final try. Lloyd kept up his hundred percent record from the tee to send the ball through the middle of the posts to bring the game to a close.

Ebbw Vale claimed six points from the game to extend their lead over second place Llandovery by twenty points at the top of the SRC table.

Fulltime: Llandovery RFC 14 Ebbw Vale RFC 41

Tries: Dom Franchi (2), Sion Parry (1), Ryan Jenkins (1), Cameron Davies (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (5)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

S4c Man Of The Match: Evan Lloyd

Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe

Ebbw Vale RFC`s next game is the re-arranged away fixture against Cardiff RFC at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday  24^th of January 2026 with kick-off at 4: 25 pm.

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

The Steelmen start 2026 with a top of the table clash against Llandovery RFC at Church Bank live on S4C. The Steelmen beat Llandovery RFC earlier in the season at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium by 40 – 22.

Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the starting XV with Rory Harries starting at scrum half. Joe Franchi returns to the starting lineup at hooker with Morgan Bosanko also starting at tight head. Replacements will be announced shortly before kick off.

The Steelmen starting XV is as follows:

15 Morgan Richards 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries

1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (c) 3 Morgan Bosanko 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins

Replacements: TBC

Match Information

Llandovery RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC

Saturday 3rd January

Church Bank

5.15pm

The match will be televised on S4C starting at 5pm.

#FeelTheSteel

A Christmas cracker of a game

Ebbw Vale visited Pontypool Park in a game where both sides contributed a huge amount to an entertaining game where 90 points were scored on a bright but cold afternoon.

The Steelmen were quick out of the blocks. After applying pressure to the Pontypool tryline, the visitors were rewarded when Sion Parry crossed to score the games opening try. Fly half Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

The hosts soon hit back. After claiming the ball back from the restart, quick back play by Pooler saw flanker Evan Minto break through the defence in midfield and sped to the tryline. Number ten Harri Ford brought the scores level.

The home side soon took the lead when centre Pat Lewis crossed the line after good pressure by the hosts. Ford added the extras.

Two quick further tries by wingers Marcus Jones and Carrick McDonough, one converted by Ford saw Pontypool extend their lead to nineteen points and claim a try bonus point.

With the Ebbw forwards trying to regain the ascendancy, an off the ball scuffle in the Pooler 22 saw referee Ben Connor send Ebbw prop Luke Garrett and home captain Scott Matthews to the sin bin to spend ten minutes to cool off.

The Steelmen hit back on the thirty ninth minute. After going through phase after phase, number eight Ryan Jenkins showed his strength to power over the line to score Ebbw Vale’s second try of the game. Lloyd sent the ball through the posts to add the extra two points.

Firmly back on the front foot, the visitors struck again on the stroke of half time. After sending a penalty into the Pooler twenty-two, the forwards sent up a driving maul from the lineout. With the help of the backs, the maul went over the line, with the leagues top try scorer Ieuan Morris touching down. Lloyd again added the extras to make it a five-point game going into half time.

Half Time: Pontypool RFC 26 Ebbw Vale RFC 21

Clearly fired up, Ebbw came out and took the second half to the hosts. After good work at the scrum, quick passing out to full back Morgan Richards, saw the number fifteen go under the posts unopposed to secure a try bonus point for his team. From in front of the sticks Lloyd put the Steelmen back in front.

With the game back and forth a yellow card to the visitor’s winger Ewan Bowden saw the home side have a numerical advantage. The hosts took advantage of the situation when replacement Joel Mahoney scored out wide. On this occasion Pooler outside half Ford was unsuccessful with the conversion.

The away sides coach Jason Strange started to ring the changes. Captain Joe Franchi, fly half Dorian Jones and Prop Morgan Bosanko came on for Ieuan Morris, Evan Lloyd and Adam Williams.

Captain Franchi soon made his mark. A penalty to Ebbw saw Jones put the ball into the Pontypool twenty-two. From the lineout the forwards got up a head of steam, assisted by the backs and Franchi dived over the line to score. Jones sent the conversion wide of the uprights.

With Ebbw Vale on the front foot and applying pressure in the Pontypool twenty-two, referee Connor showed the hosts prop Kelvyn Williams a yellow card.

Taking the scrum from the penalty, the Steelmen’s number nine Gruff Tough took the ball from the feet of number eight Jenkins, went down the blindside and showed his pace by going outside the home side winger to score out wide. Jones was unable to add the extras.

A further change by the visitors saw prop Luke Garrett leave the field to be replaced by Morgan Williams.

Further good play by the away side saw Ebbw benefit further. With the forwards getting over the gain line, a kick into space behind the defence by Dorian Jones saw winger Ewan Bowden collect the ball and dive over the line. Jones successfully kicked the conversion.

The away sides final change of the game saw scrum half Gruff Tough be replaced by Dan Buffery.

With the game going from end to end, Pontypool scored their sixth and final try of the game. Fullback Ellis Davies crossed the line out wide. Number ten Ford sent the ball through the middle of the sticks.

The fourteenth and final try of an entertaining game was scored with the final play by the Steelmen. Another good phase of play by the Ebbw forwards saw Jones put in an excellent cross field kick out wide to unmarked winger Bowden, who caught the ball and crossed the line. Jones sent the last kick of the game  through the centre of the posts to bring the game to a close.

Full Time: Pontypool RFC 38 Ebbw Vale RFC 52

Tries: Sion Parry (1), Ryan Jenkins (1), Ieuan Morris (1), Morgan Richards (1), Joe Franchi (1), Gruff Tough (1), Ewan Bowden (2)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (4), Dorian Jones (2)

Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe

After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale full back Morgan Richards. Morgan acknowledged visiting Pontypool Park is always a tough place to play. Morgan thought the team did not start the game the way they wanted to. The team gave away some soft penalties and conceded some soft tries. However, Morgan paid tribute to the squad when saying the players worked hard for each other, with their commitment and determination to pull the game back from a nineteen-point deficit and he believed the squad came away with what they deserved, especially after an improved second half performance.

The Steelmen’s next game is away to second placed Llandovery RFC at Church Bank, on Saturday 3^rd January 2026. The game is live on S4C, with kick off at 5:15pm.

Everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC would like to thank the supporters, sponsors and everybody involved for their support during 2025 and wish all a happy new year.

The Steelmen squad for the Pontypool game…

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

The Steelmen return to action in the second of the festive double-header against Pontypool RFC at Pontypool Park today. Last weekend, the Steelmen beat Pooler at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium by 40 -15 to extend their lead at the top of Super Rygbi Cymru.

Jason Strange makes a number of changes to the squad with Morgan Richards returning to the team at full back and Evan Lloyd moving to outside half. Gruff Tough comes into the team at scrum half. Ieuan Morris and Adam Williams come into the starting XV in the front row. Dom Franchi will captain the team at Pontypool Park

The full Steelmen squad is as follows:

15 Morgan Richards 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Gruff Tough

1 Luke Garrett 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins

REPLACEMENTS

16 Joe Franchi 17 Morgan Williams 18 Morgan Bosanko 19 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 20 Lewis Young 21 Dan Buffery 22 Dorian Jones 23 Cameron Davies

Match Information

Pontypool RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC

Saturday 27th December

Pontypool Park

2.30pm

Reminder that Pontypool RFC operate a CASHLESS ticket buying policy. Tickets will need to be purchased with a debit/credit card on the day.

#FeelTheSteel

An Early Christmas Present

Ebbw continue their fine form after claiming six points against Pontypool in front of a good crowd at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium. The game saw Evan Lloyd make his 100^th appearance for the club.

The first points of the game came to the visitors. Outside half Harri Ford put Pooler three points to the good after referee Ben Whitehouse penalised the hosts.

On the twentieth minute, the Steelmen hit back. Good play by the home side was finished by winger Dafydd Thomas in the corner. Fly half Dorian Jones kicked the conversion from the touchline.

Moments later the away side were first reduced to fourteen men, then thirteen. Firstly, referee Whitehouse sent Pontypool winger Marcus Jones to the sin bin, then hooker Aneurin James was sent to spend ten minutes on the touchline.

The home side benefited from their numerical advantage. From a lineout inside the visitors twenty-two, the hosts set up a rolling maul. The move was finished by captain Joe Franchi diving over the line. Number ten Jones added the extras.

With Pooler restored to fifteen men and the first half coming to an end, Ebbw Vale struck again. From a lineout, the forwards, assisted by the backs got the maul going again and hooker Franchi once again scored. Fly half Jones once again sent the ball between the posts to extend Ebbw’s lead to eighteen points.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 21 Pontypool RFC 3

The second half started in the same fashion as the first half finished. With the Steelmen on the front foot, centre Ethan Phillips stretched his legs to score a well taken team try. Jones continued his fine form from the tee by sending the ball through the sticks.

Within five minutes Pontypool struck. Good play by the forwards led to fly half Ford crossing the line. However, the young number ten struck the uprights with the conversion.

Ebbw coach Jason Strange started to ring the changes. Firstly scrum half Gruff Tough came on for Rory Harries, then minutes later the front row of Morgan Bosanko, Joe Franchi and Luke Garrett left the field to be replaced by Adam Williams, Ieuan Morris and Morgan Williams.

The hosts centre Phillips added his second try of the game, with Jones successful from the tee with the conversion.

Good play by the visitors saw replacement centre Pat Lewis score his sides second try of the game. Number ten Ford added the extras.

The Ebbw Vale bench was then emptied with Morgan Richards coming on for Dafydd Thomas, Lewis Young replacing Ryan Jenkins and Dom Franchi leaving field for Cameron Davies.

The final try of the game was scored by the Steelmen. After the forwards went through the phases, the ball was passed out wide to flyhalf Dorian Jones who went over in the corner. Jones was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Ebbw finished the game with fourteen men when second row Dylan Bartlett was shown a yellow card in the final moments.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 40 Pontypool RFC 15

Try scorers: Dafydd Thomas (1), Joe Franchi (2), Ethan Phillps (2), Dorian Jones (1)

Conversions: Dorian Jones (5)

Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe

Ebbw Vale’s next game is the returned fixture at Pontypool Park on Saturday 27^th December 2025, with kick off at 2:30pm.

All the management, players and staff at Ebbw Vale RFC would like to thank everyone for their support so far this season and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Full Squad for Pontypool was as follows

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

The Steelmen head into the festive period with the first game of a double header against Pontypool RFC in the Rival Round of Super Rygbi Cymru. The game will see the Steelmen defend the SRC Challengers Shield at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium.

Jason Strange had made a number of changes to the starting XV for the game against Pooler. The experienced Dorian Jones and Dom Franchi return to the starting lineup with Evan Lloyd, who makes his 100th appearance for the Steelmen, moving to full back.

Upfront, Luke Garrett returns in the front row with Jack Pope comes into the starting XV at 6, Sion Parry moves to openside flanker.

Replacements will be named shortly before kickoff.

The Steelmen starting XV is as follows:

15 Evan Lloyd 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Don Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Dorian Jones 9 Rory Harries

1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (c) 3 Morgan Bosanko 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins

Match Details

SRC Challengers Shield

Ebbw Vale RFC v Pontypool RFC

Saturday 20th December

CiNER Glass Community Stadium

2.30pm

Match Tickets can be purchased at the following link: Ebbw Vale RFC v Pontypool RFC

Christmas Jumper Day

Reminder that today is Christmas Jumper Day for players and supporters. There will be live entertainment in the club after the game starting at 5.30pm.

Club Shop

The Club Shop will be open before and after the match to purchase your last minute Christmas Goodies…

#FeelTheSteel

Ebbw Keep Up Their Good Form

A strong second half team performance, including a hat trick of tries by captain Joe Franchi saw the Steelmen clinch another six points at home against Bridgend Ravens, to enhance top position in the Super Rygbi Cymru. The game saw flanker Harry Beddall make his debut for Ebbw Vale.

The home side made a strong start. Outside half Evan Lloyd put in a delightful chip over the Ravens backline on the halfway line. Lloyd beat the away side players to the ball, threw a dummy on the final defender and dived over the line unopposed to score the games opening try. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

The visitors soon hit back. A long kick through by Bridgend saw winger Cameron Ellis speed through to get to the ball before the covering defence to score. Inside centre Fraser Jones added the extras to draw the game level.

A yellow card to Ravens number eight Benji Williams gave the hosts a chance to apply the pressure. A penalty kick by fly half Lloyd into the away sides twenty-two saw the Steelmen with a lineout. From the throw in, the Ebbw forwards, assisted by the backs, set up a driving maul which was finished off by captain Joe Franchi. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Ebbw Vale nearly extended their lead further when winger Ewan Bowden showed his speed down the wing. With a defender to beat, winger Bowden chipped over the last line of defence. Looking likely to score, Bowden was about to get to the ball before a Bridgend player looked to have taken the winger out. Referee Lucas Yendle decided otherwise and Bridgend cleared their lines.

The visitors made it a two-point game when centre Jones sent a penalty through the middle of the posts.

Still with a numerical advantage, the home side extended their lead further. From a line out in the Bridgend twenty-two, the forwards put in a powerful driving maul for hooker Franchi to bag his second try of the afternoon. Number ten Lloyd added the two points with the last kick of the first half.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 19 Bridgend Ravens 10

The Steelmen came out for the second half looking to add to the scoreline. They eventually did when from a good back’s move, full back Morgan Richards used his strength and speed to cross the try line. Lloyd sent the ball through the middle of the posts.

Ebbw head coach Jason Strange decided to change props Morgan Williams and Adam Williams with Morgan Bosanko and Adam Court.

Minutes later Bridgend were again reduced to fourteen men when flanker Alfie Thomas was sent to spend ten minutes in the sin bin.

With the numerical advantage, the hosts extended their lead further. A penalty sent deep into the visitors twenty-two, saw the forwards set up the maul. However, instead of driving towards the line, the ball was passed to outside centre Ethan Phillips, who went sped over the line untouched. Lloyd again kicked the conversion.

Within minutes of each other Ebbw coach Strange made a string of substitutes. Firstly, Lewis Young and Owen Conquer replaced flanker Sion Parry and number eight Ryan Jenkins. Then centre Dom Franchi came on for Cam Davies, Dan Buffery replaced scrum half Rory Harries and outside half Dorian Jones came on for Morgan Richards. Starting fly half Lloyd moved to full back. Substitute Morgan Bosanko had to leave the pitch to be replaced by starting prop Morgan Williams.

Despite ringing the changes, Ebbw kept on the front foot. With the forwards having the grit between their teeth, hooker Franchi benefited from a third driving maul to score a hat trick of tries. Lloyd added the two points.

The final change for the Steelmen saw hooker Franchi leave the field to be replaced by Charlie Manship.

A nasty looking injury to the home side replacement Owen Conquer, saw the young number eight be helped off the field to leave the hosts see out the remaining fifteen minutes of the game with fourteen men.

Bridgend took advantage of being a man extra. From a lineout a strong maul by the away side saw replacement prop Corey Lewis score his sides second try of the game. Jones was unsuccessful with the conversion.

The final try of the game was scored by the hosts. Being camped in the Ravens twenty-two, the ball made its way out to Lloyd. A very well timed pass by Lloyd to winger Dafydd Thomas, saw the defence beaten and Thomas went over untouched. Lloyd again sent the ball through the posts.

Despite the best efforts of both sides, no further points were added to the scoreline.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 47 Bridgend Ravens 15

Tries: Evan Lloyd (1), Joe Franchi (3), Morgan Richards (1), Ethan Phillps (1), Dafydd Thomas (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (6)

Ebbw Vale RFC man of the match: Evan Lloyd

After the game we spoke to flanker Harry Beddall. Discussing the game Harry thought the team had to stick in the game in the first half, especially after not scoring the points their efforts deserved. Harry believed the team wore Bridgend down in the second half, with the team playing to their strengths, especially with the driving maul.

Harry said it was special to make his debut for the club. He praised the squad for welcoming him in, helping him learn his role and was happy to be on the field playing.

Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe

Ebbw Vale’s next game is the first of a double header against Pontypool RFC at home at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 20th December 2025, with kick off at 2:30pm.

Tickets can be purchased for the game at the following link: Ebbw Vale RFC v Pontypool RFC

The Ebbw Vale Squad for the fixture against Bridgend Ravens:

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans