Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Well the day has arrived!
Ebbw Vale RFC face Newport RFC in the inaugural SRC Grand Final at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium at 2.30pm today
After 18 league matches and two playoff games it comes down to a Gwent derby to decide the SRC Trophy winners.
The team have played each other 3 times this season with the Steelmen winning both earlier games at the CINER GLASS with Newport RFC winning at Rodney Parade.
Jason Strange has kept the majority of the squad that beat Llandovery RFC last weekend with the only changes being Ewan Bowden coming into the starting XV and Matt Jones moving onto the bench.
The game sees Ethan Phillips make his 100th appearance for the Steelmen. #100UP
The game will also see Cameron Regan put on a Steelmen jersey for the final time before he hangs up his boots. #OneFinalTime
The Squad is as follows:
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows
15 Morgan Richards 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Gruff Tough
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi © 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Morgan Williams 18 Adam Court 19 Cameron Regan 20 Lewis Young 21 Rory Harries 22 Cameron Davies 23 Matt Jones
#FeelTheSteel
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Newport RFC
Saturday 18th May
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick off 2.30pm
Sat Nav Postcode: NP23 5AZ
Reminder this is an all pay game. Tickets can be bought at the following link:
18th May Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy Final | EVRFC
Ebbw reach the final
Jason Strange’s team made a dramatic comeback in the second half to secure their place in the SRC final, after the semi final was played in glorious sunshine, in front of the S4C Camera’s at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
Llandovery got off to a fast start. The away sides first try was scored by centre Rhodri Jones, after a clever chip over the defence by the away side.
This was soon followed up by good back play by the Drovers ended with scrum half and captain Lee Rees going over the try line. Both tries had been converted by outside half Ioan Hughes.
Within minutes the Steelmen were reduced to fourteen men, when referee Ben Whitehouse adjudged the home side winger Ieuan Evans to have deliberately knocked the ball on.
After being back to fifteen men, the home side were again reduced to fourteen, when referee Whitehouse had thought flanker Jack Pope to have illegally used his boot in a phase of play.
Whilst still at reduced numbers the hosts hit back. From attacking play by the Drovers just outside the Ebbw twenty-two, an interception by Ebbw’s Evan Lloyd saw the number ten stretch his legs. Having made metres well into the Llandovery half and with the defenders covering across, Lloyd past to supporting winger Ryan Gardner, who showed his pace to go over the line unopposed. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
With the first half ending, a fine bit of play by the visitors full back Jac Davies saw the young full back score an excellent solo try. Hughes again converted giving his team a sixteen-point lead at the interval.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 5 Llandovery RFC 21
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange made his first substitution of the game during the interval with winger Ewan Bowden coming on for Ieuan Evans.
The away side were soon to be reduced to fourteen men when scrum half Lee Rees was sent to the sin bin by referee Whitehouse due to ill-discipline.
Ebbw Vale soon took advantage of the reduced numbers. With the forwards going through the phases, a nice show and go by Gruff Tough saw the young number nine beat a man, draw the last line of defence and pass to home full back Morgan Richards, who used his strength to fend off a tackle and dive over the line. Lloyd added the extras to reduce the deficit to nine points.
Further changes by the Steelmen saw flanker Jack Pope be replaced by Cameron Regan. Moments later Ieuan Morris and Adam Court replaced hooker Joe Franchi and prop Adam Williams and later Cameron Davies come on for Dom Franchi.
With Ebbw Vale on top in the second half, top points scorer Lloyd reduced the deficit to six points before prop Luke Garrett left the field to be replaced by Morgan Williams.
The visitors were given the opportunity to increase their lead further, however, fly half Hughes was unsuccessful with the penalty from far out.
Another change by coach Strange saw scrum half Gruff Tough leave the field for Rory Harries.
The hosts were about to go in front for the first time during the game. From a scrum inside the Vale half, scrum half Harries got quick ball out to centre Ethan Phillips in the centre of the field. Phillips picked his head up and put a clever chip over the Llandovery defence. With two defenders covering, Phillips sped through, got a boot to the ball before a Llandovery player, and Phillips collected the ball on the bounce and dived over for an excellent individual try. Lloyd added the two points.
With the game going into the final ten minutes the hosts scored the decisive try. After being awarded a penalty in the away sides twenty-two, Lloyd put the ball into the corner. From the lineout, the Ebbw forwards set up a driving maul, which ended with replacement hooker Ieuan Morris powering over the line. Lloyd again kicked the conversion to give the hosts an eight-point lead.
With time running out Ebbw Vale were to see out the remaining minutes with fourteen men when winger Ryan Gardner was shown a yellow card by referee Whitehouse.
The final score of an excellent game, where both teams contributed so much, was scored by Llandovery. Playing from their own twenty-two, the Drovers backs put width on the ball for speedster Harri Doel to run the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Replacement Jack Maynard kicked the conversion to bring the game to a close.
Fulltime: Ebbw Vale RFC 29 Llandovery RFC 28
Try scorers: Ryan Gardner (1), Morgan Richards (1), Ethan Phillips (1), Ieuan Morris (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (1)
Man Of The Match: Ryan Jenkins
After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale winger Ieuan Evans. Ieuan thought the team made it hard for themselves in the first half, he thought he could have defended better himself to stop a few tries. However, Ieuan praised the side for their work ethic, including the impact the subs made in the second half to get the team over the line to reach the final.
The Steelmen will face Newport RFC in the SRC Grand Final on Sunday 18th May at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium. Kick Off 2.20pm
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Ebbw Vale RFC v Llandovery RFC
The Steelmen to action this afternoon in the playoff semi-final of Super Rygbi Cymru against Llandovery RFC at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium live on S4C.
This is the 4th meeting of the season for the two team with Ebbw Vale winning both meetings in Super Rygbi Cymru and Llandovery beating the Steelmen in the final of the SRC Cup at Church Bank.
Jason Strange has selected a squad with several changes to the starting XV from the quarter final against Carmarthen Quins. Morgan Richards returns to the starting XV at full back with Ieuan Evans back on the wing. The experienced Dom Franchi returns at centre. The starting pack remains the same
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows
15 Morgan Richards 14 Ieuan Evans13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Gruff Tough
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi © 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Morgan Williams 18 Adam Court 19 Cameron Regan 20 Lewis Young 21 Rory Harries 22 Cameron Davies 23 Ewan Bowden
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC
Saturday 10th May
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick off 12.15pm
Sat Nav Postcode: NP23 5AZ
Admission Prices
FULL: £14
CONCESSION: £10
Reminder that this is an all pay match.
Tickets can be purchased online at the following link: 10th May Ebbw Vale v Llandovery | EVRFC
Ebbw Addicts Player of the Year Voting
Voting will also take place today for the Ebbw Addicts Player of the Year, Most Promising Player and the Clubman of the Year.
Please see the Addicts in the club shop for voting slips.
Ebbw reach the semi final
Ebbw Vale were made to work hard by Carmarthen to come away with the victory to reach the semi final of the play offs next week.
The visitors hit the front early on after fly half Ifan Davies sent the penalty through the middle of the posts to put his team three points to the good.
With their tails up, the away side scored the first try of the game when winger Louis Rees took advantage of a bouncing ball to go over the line unopposed. Number ten Davies successfully kicked the conversion.
However, the hosts were to hit back. After a penalty was sent into touch in the Quins twenty-two by outside half Lloyd, the Ebbw forwards secured the lineout and set up a driving maul which was finished off by top try scorer Joe Franchi. Lloyd added the extras to make it a three-point game.
With the Steelmen forwards getting the grit between their teeth, another penalty into the Carmarthen twenty-two by Lloyd set up a driving maul from the lineout, which was only stopped illegally. Referee Adam Jones went under the sticks to award the home side a penalty try and show the visitors number eight Lewys Millin a yellow card.
When reduced to fourteen men, the away side struck back. A well taken try by centre Jac Howells and conversion by outside half Davies put the Quins back into the lead.
The home side were soon reduced to fourteen men when Ebbw Vale second row Dylan Bartlett was shown a yellow card for ill-discipline.
With Carmarthen back to full numbers and having a numerical advantage they benefited to stretch their lead further. After being awarded a penalty near the hosts line, scrum half Lucca Setaro took a quick tap and darted over the line. Number ten Davies kicked the conversion.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 14 Carmarthen Quins RFC 24
The home side came out for the second half in determined fashion. With a lineout inside the Quins twenty-two setting up the rolling maul, flanker Sion Parry split away from the maul and used his strength to fend off defenders and score. Lloyd added the points to reduce the deficit to three points.
The away side extended their lead to six points when flyhalf Ifan Davies sent the ball through the centre of the sticks.
The first change by the hosts coach Jason Strange saw centre Cameron Davies come off for Dom Franchi.
Within minutes, the Steelmen reclaimed the lead. From a lineout inside the Quins half, the forwards set up a driving maul which finished with hooker Joe Franchi scoring his second try of the game. Lloyd kicked the conversion to put Ebbw one point to the good.
The Ebbw Vale skipper Franchi claimed another hat trick this season, when from a lineout the forwards power showed and Franchi benefited from it. Evan Lloyd added the extras.
Home hooker Franchi was replaced by Ieuan Morris and moments later replacement props Adam Court and Morgan Williams came on for Luke Garrett and Adam Williams.
Midway through the second half Carmarthen again reduced the deficit to five points when Davies kicked a well taken penalty.
Further changes by Ebbw coach Strange, saw Cameron Regan and Lewis Young come onto the pitch for flanker Jack Pope and number eight Ryan Jenkins.
With time ticking away, the home side struck a decisive blow. With the forwards going through the phases inside the visitors twenty-two, scrum half Gruff Tough saw space out on the wing. With plenty left to do, the young scrum half backed himself and darted over the try line for a well taken try. Lloyd again successfully kicked the conversion.
Ebbw replacement Morgan Richards was sent onto the field to replace full back Matt Jones.
Shortly afterwards scrum half Gruff Tough left the field to be replaced by Rory Harries. However, within minutes Harries was shown a yellow card and spent the remaining minutes in the sin bin for a miss timed challenge in the air.
The Quins gained from their numerical advantage when scrum half Setaro saw space and scored a well taken try out wide to set up a tense finale. However, the conversion was missed.
After being awarded a penalty in the final moments of the game, Ebbw fly half Lloyd sent the ball through the posts to extend the home sides lead to ten points. Referee Jones decided to call time on play for a home victory.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 45 Carmarthen Quins RFC 35
Try scorers: Joe Franchi (3), Sion Parry (1), Gruff Tough (1), Penalty try (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (5)
Penalty: Evan Lloyd (1)
Ebbw Vale RFC man of the match: Sion Parry
The Steelmen next play Llandovery RFC in the semi final of the play offs at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 10th May 2025. Kick off to be confirmed.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Ebbw Vale RFC v Carmarthen Quins
The Steelmen return to action this evening in the SRC Playoff Quarter-Final against Carmarthen Quins at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium. This is the 3rd meeting of the teams this season with the Steelmen winning both previous games; 39-11 at Carmarthen Park and 40 -20 at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
The Steelmen see the return of several players from injury to the first XV. Gruff Tough and Evan Lloyd return at halfbacks and the match also sees the return in the engine room of Curtis Gregory and Dylan Bartlett. Ryan Gardner also returns on the wing. Ethan Phillips moves back into centre having played on the wing and outside half in the previous two games.
Replacements will be named shortly before kickoff
The Steelmen starting XV is as follows:
15 Matt Jones
14 Ewan Bowden
13 Ethan Phillips
12 Cameron Davies
11 Ryan Gardner
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Gruff Tough
1 Luke Garrett
2 Joe Franchi (CAPT)
3 Adam Williams
4 Dylan Bartlett
5 Curtis Gregory
6 Jack Pope
7 Sion Parry
8 Ryan Jenkins
Match Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Carmarthen Quins
Saturday 3rd May
7.30pm
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Reminder that the game is all pay
Admission Details for Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders
The prices for admission to the game are as follows:
Ebbw Vale RFC Vice President Season Ticket Holders – FREE entry
Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Adult) – £10 entry
Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Concession) – £6 entry
Under 16s free (with an adult)
PLEASE NOTE: Reduced price tickets for Ebbw Vale RFC members cannot be bought online. You can pay by cash or card on match day, provided you produce your season ticket.
Admission Details for non-Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders
Non-Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Adult) – £14 entry
Non-Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Concession) – £10 entry
These ticket can be bought online
Purchase tickets in advance here, https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/3rd-may-ebbw-vale-v-carmarthen-quins/
#FeelTheSteel
CHANGE OF DATE
The SRC Playoff Quarter-Final match against Carmarthen Quins has been moved to Saturday 3rd May with a 7.30pm kickoff at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium.
The Steelmen would like to thank our friends at Ebbw Vale Cricket Club and Carmarthen Quins for their support and cooperation in this change of fixture date.
Purchase tickets in advance here, https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/3rd-may-ebbw-vale-v-carmarthen-quins/
#FeelTheSteel
The SRC Playoff Q/F against Carmarthen Quins will take place on Saturday, 3rd May, with a 7.30 pm kickoff.
The Steelmen would like to thank our friends at Ebbw Vale CC for their cooperation in allowing the Steelmen to use the pitch out of season. The Steelmen would also like to thank Carmarthen Quins for agreeing to travel to the CINER GLASS Community Stadium on Sunday.
Match Details
Ebbw Vale RFC v Carmarthen Quins RFC
Saturday 3rd May
7.30 pm
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Admission Details
The prices for admission to the game are as follows:
Ebbw Vale RFC Vice President Season Ticket Holders – FREE entry
Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Adult) – £10 entry
Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Concession) – £6 entry
Under 16s free (with an adult)
Non-Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Adult) – £14 entry
Non-Ebbw Vale RFC Season Ticket Holders (Concession) – £10 entry
Purchase tickets in advance here, https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/3rd-may-ebbw-vale-v-carmarthen-quins/
PLEASE NOTE: Reduced price tickets for Ebbw Vale RFC members cannot be bought online. You can pay by cash or card on match day, provided you produce your season ticket.
#FeelTheSteel
The Steelmen became the first winners of the SRC Challengers Shield last weekend following their 21 -17 win over Swansea RFC at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium.
The Challengers Shield was originally held by Llandovery RFC at the start of the season, as the current league champions. The shield was to be defended at their home games during the season until they were defeated. The Steelmen defeated Llandovery by 31 -28 at Church Bank in October with a last minute penalty kick from Evan Lloyd to gain the Challengers Shield for the first time
Since then. The Steelmen have defended the Shield 7 times at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium to become the inaugural winners of the Challengers Shield.
These matches were against:
RGC winning 31 – 16
Cardiff RFC winning 32 – 20
Pontypool RFC winning 34 – 3
Newport RFC winning 20 – 5
Bridgend Ravens winning 48 -17
Carmarthen Quins winning 40 – 20
Swansea RFC winning 21 – 17
The Steelmen will start the 2025/26 season as the holders of the Challengers Shield.
Picture courtesy of Ebbw Players
The Steelmen finished the regular season unbeaten at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium winning all 9 matches in Super Rygbi Cymru and 2 matches in the SRC Cup.
The Steelmen will have home advantage in the quarter-finals of the playoffs with opponents to be confirmed.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC would like to congratulate the 4 players selected in the SRC Team of the Year 2024/25. The Steelmen front row of Luke Garrett, Joe Franchi and Adam Williams were selected on block, as well as exciting young centre, Cameron Davies, who has had a great season since joining from the Dragons Academy in the summer.
There was further good news for the Steelmen when it was announced, that after a public online vote, Harry Rees-Weldon’s try against Newport RFC had won the SRC Try of the Season.
Da iawn, boys!
#FeelTheSteel
AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS 2025
The Autumn International Fixtures have been announced for 2025.
Wales will play four Test matches at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff during the 2025 Autumn Internationals.
Argentina will be Wales’ first opponents on Sunday 9th November, followed by Japan six days later. New Zealand will visit Cardiff on Saturday 22nd November, before the campaign concludes against South Africa on Saturday 29th November.
Click on the photo to see the full list.
WRU have a ticket discount scheme in place for anyone purchasing tickets through their club.
Please send us a direct message through the Ebbw Vale RFC Facebook Messenger page if you’d like to order tickets for the Autumn Internationals
Steelmen take second place
Ebbw Vale won their final home game of the league season, before taking a well-earned rest and play the quarter final at home in a fortnight.
The first try of the game came in familiar fashion. Having been awarded a penalty inside the Swansea half, outside half for the afternoon Ethan Phillips sent the ball into the corner to set up a lineout to the home side. Having won the lineout, hooker Joe Franchi finished off the rolling maul by powering over the line. Winger Ewan Bowden sent the ball through the centre of the posts.
The visitors quickly struck back. Full back Harri Houston took advantage of an error by the home side to show his pace and go over the line unopposed. Fly half Tal Rees successfully added the extras to level the game.
Good defence by the All Whites stopped the home side from scoring a second try from a rolling maul at the lineout.
The second try to the home side was soon to follow. Another penalty by Phillips was sent to the corner. After setting up another rolling maul, hooker Franchi saw a gap in the Swansea defence and used his strength to break away and power over the line to score his second try of the game. Kicker Bowden added the extras.
With the half ending, the away side scored their second try of the game. After winning a lineout in the Ebbw half, a good move by the Swansea backs was finished off with winger Ieuan Cornelius. Number ten Rees sent the ball wide of the posts with his conversion attempt.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 14 Swansea RFC 12
Steelmen coach Jason Strange made a change during the break. The sides top try scorer and captain Joe Franchi was replaced by Ieuan Morris. Moments later further changes by the home side saw scrum half Dan Buffery and prop Morgan Davies be replaced by Rory Harries and Luke Garrett.
With the All Whites spending time in the hosts half, they were unable to convert their possession into points when good defence by the Steelmen kept them out.
The away side were reduced to fourteen men. A powerful run by Ebbw’s number eight Ryan Jenkins was deemed to be stopped by a professional foul by the visitors’ prop Ed Thompson.
With the numerical advantage, Steelmen fly half Phillips chipped to the corner to set up the lineout. Having won the lineout, the home side’s forwards set up another rolling maul which ended with replacement hooker Ieuan Morris powering over the line. Bowden again added the two points to put Ebbw more than one score ahead.
Changes to the Ebbw Vale pack saw prop Adam Court and back rower Owen Conquer come on for Adam Williams and Cameron Regan.
Having given away penalties in their twenty-two, another penalty awarded to the away side saw Steelmen’s flanker Sion Parry be sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. However, despite the visitors’ best efforts, the home sides magnificent defence kept them out.
Further changes to the home side saw full back Morgan Richards replace Matt Jones and second row Ewan McIntyre be replaced by Gethin Williams. Another change saw flanker Sion Parry come off for Lewis Young.
With both sides trying their best to score, the final try of the game was scored by the All Whites with the last play. Having gone through phases of play, a cross the field kick saw the ball fall into the hands of full back Houston. With a neat finish, the full back went over the line out wide. The resulting conversion hit the post to bring the game to a close.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 21 Swansea RFC 17
Try scorers: Joe Franchi (2), Ieuan Morris (1)
Conversions: Ewan Bowden (3)
After the game we spoke with scrum half Dan Buffery. Dan acknowledged the effect fatigue had played this week, considering the team had played against Newport on the Sunday and Aberavon on Wednesday. He thought the team gave away some penalties, especially through discipline. However, he was happy to have won the game and finish second in the league.
Ebbw Vale have a two-week break before they play the quarter final play off at home against either RGC 1404 or Carmarthen Quins RFC on Saturday 3rd May 2025, with kick off at 2:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen play their 3rd match in 7 days when they face Swansea RFC in the final round of Super Rygbi Cymru. The match will see the Steelmen look to secure a top 2 spot as they head into the end of season playoff. They will also defend the SRC Challengers Shield for the final time this season
The teams have faced each other twice already this season, both at St Helens, with the Steelmen winning both matches by 40-20 in Super Rygbi Cymru and 33-19 in the SRC Cup.
Jason Strange has named his starting XV for the match. Harry Rees-Welson returns on the wing with Cameron Davies starting at inside centre. Dan Buffery starts his 2nd game at scrum half.
Upfront, Ewan McIntyre and Jack Pope start in the 2nd row and there is a complete change in the front row with Morgan Davies, Joe Franchi and Adam Williams coming into the starting lineup. Cameron Regan and Ryan Jenkins come into the back row with Sion Parry moving back to openside flanker.
The bench will be names shortly before kick-off.
The Steelmen starting XV is:
15 Matt Jones 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Cameron Davies 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Dan Buffery
1 Morgan Davies 2 Joe Franchi 3 Adam Williams 4 Ewan McIntyre 5 Jack Pope 6 Cameron Regan 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements: TBC
Match Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Swansea RFC
Saturday 19th April
2.30pm
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
The Steelmen return to action against Aberavon RFC this evening, just 3 days since their last match in Super Rygbi Cymru.
The Steelmen last faced Aberavon RFC back in September 2024 in the first round of Super Rygbi Cymru winning by 34 -22.
Jason Strange has made 8 changes to the starting XV that faced Newport on Sunday with Morgan Richards returning on the wing. Dan Buffery makes his first start at scrum half while there are 6 changes in the pack.
Replacements will be announced shortly before kick-off.
The full Steelmen starting XV is:
15 Matt Jones 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi © 11 Morgan Richards 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Dan Buffery
1 Luke Garrett 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Adam Court 4 Jack Pope 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Sion Parry 7 Kobi Rees 8 Lewis Young
REPLACEMENTS: TBC
The Addicts will be providing transport to the game. They will be leaving the Welfare at 5.30pm
Match Info
Aberavon RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
7.30pm
Talbot Athletic Ground
Match Preview
The Steelmen travel to Rodney Parade this afternoon to face Newport RFC, at the start of a very busy 7 days, which will see the Steelmen play 3 matches in the SRC.
This will be the third meeting between the two teams this season with the teams having previously played twice at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium, the Steelmen winning both games, 20 – 5 in the SRC and 44 -21 in the SRC Cup.
Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the starting XV from the match against Carmarthen Quins. Dom Franchi returns in the centre with Ethan Phillips moving onto the wing.
Upfront only Dylan Bartlett and Curtis Gregory retain their places in the starting XV with a complete new front row and back row being selected.
Replacements will be announced shortly before kick-off.
The Steelmen starting XV is as follows:
15 Matt Jones 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Cameron Davies 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ethan Phillips 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Morgan Davies 2 Joe Franchi 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Cameron Regan 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements: TBC
Match Details
Newport RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Sunday 13th March
Rodney Parade
2.30pm
Travel Information
PLEASE NOTE: Today also sees the Newport Marathon taking place. Please make sure to check the road closures around Newport throughout the day to help with your travel
The road closures set to be in place on Sunday (April 13) for the Newport Marathon Festival are:
Usk Way – by the start and finish line will be closed from 3am on Sunday, April 16 until 7pm.
High Street and Skinner Street – will be closed from 8.30am until 10.30am.
Usk Way and entrance to A48 – will be closed between 7.30am and 3.30pm (entry and exit from East Docks Estate for residents and businesses will be managed).
A48 eastbound – will be closed between 7.30am and 11.15am.
A48 westbound – will be closed from 7.30am until 11.15am.
Corporation Road – will be closed from 8.40am until 3pm.
Traston Road – will be closed from 7.30am until 2.45pm.
Traston Road Estate – will be closed from 8.40am until 10.15am and access will managed for residents from 10.15am until 2.45pm.
Nash Road – various sections of Nash Road will be closed at different times. The northern half of the road will be closed between 8.40am and 2.30pm. While the southern half will be closed between 9am and 2.20pm.
Nash and RSPB – Roads will be closed from 9am until 12.30pm. Then entry and exit will be managed, when possible, to and from Meadows Road between 12.30am and 2.20pm.
Broad Street Common and Starits Lane – will be closed from 9am until 2.20pm.
Goldcliff Road and Whitson Common Road – will closed from 9am until 2pm.
Parish Reen, Bowleaze Reen and North Row – will all be closed between 9am and 3.10pm. Access to North Row Estate will be managed (for vehicles) between 9am and 9.45am
Ebbw claim another six pointer
A second half hat trick of tries by captain Joe Franchi saw Ebbw Vale claim six points from a game that was still in the balance after 60 minutes.
The Steelmen came out of the blocks slowly against a determined Carmarthen side.
The away side were the first team to put points on the board when Quins outside half Elis Price sent a penalty through the middle of the posts.
After being awarded a penalty around the halfway line, the hosts number ten Evan Lloyd sent the ball into the Quins twenty-two for a lineout to the home side. From the lineout the referee awarded a further penalty which Lloyd again sent to the corner. From the lineout, the home side scored their first try of the afternoon, when from a rolling maul hooker Ieuan Morris crashed over the line to score. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.
Ebbw Vale were forced into a first half change when full back Matt Jones was replaced by debutant Gethin O’Callaghan due to injury.
The visitors soon reduced the deficit to one point, when Quins flyhalf Price was successful with another penalty.
With the game approaching half time, Carmarthen retook the lead. Hooker Lewis Morgan scored from close range. Price successfully added the two points.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 7 Carmarthen Quins RFC 13
During the halftime interval Ebbw coach Jason Strange replaced the front row of Luke Garrett, Ieuan Morris and Adam Court with Morgan Davies, Joe Franchi and Adam Williams, as well as Sion Parry entering the field at seven, at the expense of Kobi Rees.
The Steelmen were reduced to fourteen men when second row Dylan Bartlett was shown a yellow card for an altercation in the lineout.
Further changes to the home side saw the experienced Cameran Regan and Lewis Young come onto the field for Jack Pope and Owen Conquer.
The first points of the second half came when from a lineout inside the away side’s twenty-two, the Ebbw pack set up a driving maul which resulted in hooker Joe Franchi scoring his first try of the game. Lloyd was successful with the conversion to put the hosts a point into the lead.
The Quins soon hit back. After loose play in the middle of the pitch, a kick through saw the visitors centre Jac Howels collect the ball unopposed and score under the posts. Replacement flyhalf Aled Thomas added the extras.
With the Ebbw Vale replacements making an impact, the referee awarded a penalty to the home side. Lloyd kicked to the corner. From the resulting lineout, the forwards set up another rolling maul, which again saw hooker Franchi power his way over the line. Number ten Lloyd added the two points to put Ebbw back in front by a point.
With the hosts scrum starting to win penalties, flyhalf Lloyd sent another penalty to the corner. From the lineout, the forwards further showed their strength by setting up another rolling maul, which finished with Joe Franchi scoring his third try of the game. On this occasion, Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
Not looking to let up, the Steelmen forwards had the grit between their teeth and kept taking it to the visitors. After going through phase after phase inside the Carmarthen twenty-two, second row Curtis Gregory was on hand to touch down. Lloyd sent the conversion through the posts to give Ebbw a thirteen-point lead.
The visitors were reduced to fourteen men for the remainder of the game when the referee sent a player to the sin bin for ill discipline during the hosts try.
Ebbw coach Strange made his teams final change of the afternoon by replacing scrum half Rory Harries with Dan Buffrey.
With the game entering the eightieth minute and a man advantage, the Steelmen were looking to score a final try. With the forwards putting the pressure on the away sides defence, quick ball to centre Cameron Davies, saw the young centre spot space in the Quins defence. At pace, Davies run an excellent line to score the games final try. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion to bring the game to a close.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 40 Carmarthen Quins RFC 20
Tries: Ieuan Morris (1), Joe Franchi (3), Curtis Gregory (1), Cameron Davies (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (5)
Man of the Match: Joe Franchi
After the game we spoke with flanker Kobi Rees. Kobi thought the team struggled with the scrum, set piece and discipline during the first half. However, he praised the team for their collective effort to turn it around in the second half.
Ebbw Vale RFC next play away to Gwent rivals Newport RFC at Rodney Parade on Sunday 13th April 2025, with kick off at 2:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Ebbw Vale RFC v Carmarthen Quins
The Steelmen return to action in Super Rygbi Cymru today when they will defend the SRC Challengers Shield against Carmarthen Quins at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium.
This is the 3rd meeting of the season between the two team with Ebbw Vale winning both previous meetings in Super Rygbi Cymru by 39-11 and the SRC Cup by 24-7.
Jason Strange has announced his starting XV with Ethan Phillips captaining the squad in his first start since returning from injury. Also, after a season affected by illness and injury, Owen Conquer makes a welcome return to the starting XV at number 8. Ieuan Morris continues at hooker with Adam Court coming into the starting lineup at tighthead prop.
The replacements will be announced shortly before kick-off.
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows
15 Matt Jones 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Ethan Phillips © 12 Cameron Davies 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Kobi Rees 8 Owen Conquer
Replacements
TBC before kick off
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Carmarthen Quins
Saturday 5th April
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick off 2.30pm
Sat Nav Postcode: NP23 5AZ
Admission Prices
FULL: £14
CONCESSION: £10
Please note there are no online ticket purchases for this match, however both card and cash payments will be able to be taken at the game.
Steelmen score big
Ebbw Vale ran in eight tries against Bridgend Ravens on Thursday night, in a game played in front of the S4C Clic camera’s.
The home side were quick out of the blocks. Within a minute, referee Craig Evans awarded a penalty to the hosts inside the Bridgend twenty. Outside half Evan Lloyd kicked the penalty to the corner. From the resulting lineout, the Ebbw forwards set up a rolling maul, which ended with number eight Ryan Jenkins powering over the line to score the games first try. Fly half Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
Moments later. A smart 50:22 kick by the hosts number ten Lloyd, gave Ebbw a lineout in the Ravens twenty-two.
From the lineout, the hosts forwards and backs made inroads into the visitor’s defence. Quick ball out of the ruck to Lloyd, saw the number ten take the tackle and pass out to winger Ryan Gardner, to score in the corner. Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
With the away side having some ball, from a scrum in the Steelmen’s twenty-two, Bridgend were awarded a penalty. After a kick to the corner, the visitors were awarded a further penalty from the lineout. Referee Evans showed second row Curtis Gregory the yellow card for early contact at the lineout.
The away side scored their first try of the game when from the lineout, hooker Corey Lewis barged over the line. The visitors fly half Paul Short sent the conversion through the posts.
Within minutes Ebbw Vale scored their third try of the game. Good play by the backs saw scrum half Rory Harries chip the ball through in the Ravens twenty-two and outsprint the covering defence to score. Lloyd missed the conversion.
Referee Evans awarded the Ravens a penalty just outside the hosts twenty-two. Fly half Short kicked the penalty to reduce the deficit to five points.
Around the half hour mark, referee Evans awarded Bridgend prop Harry Olding a yellow card for not wrapping his arms at a tackle.
With the visitors reduced to fourteen men, a lovely kick down the line by Ebbw winger Ryan Gardner, saw the last line of the Bridgend defence have no option but to take the ball into touch. From the resulting lineout, referee Evans awarded the Steelmen a penalty try when the away side’s hooker Corey Lewis collapsed the rolling maul. Lewis was subsequently sent to the sin bin for ten minutes to reduce the away side to thirteen.
Being on the backfoot, the Ravens only stopped Ebbw from scoring a further try when the ball was knocked on, when at the line. From the scrum five metres out, an almighty push by the Vale pack, saw them win the ball against the head and power over the line for Ryan Jenkins to score his second try of the game. Fly half Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
From the kick off, Ebbw Vale reclaimed the ball. A kicking contest was eventually ended when the Assistant referee judged a Bridgend kick to have gone out of play on the full. With play taken back into the Ravens half, a lineout to Ebbw saw the ball won and make its way out to centre Harry Wilson on his debut. Making a half break and passing the ball to flanker Kobi Ress in the tackle, Rees showed his strength and speed from outside the twenty-two to fend off tackles and charge over the line. Outside half Lloyd added the two points.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 34 Bridgend Ravens RFC 10
With the game twelve minutes into the second half and the score not changed Ebbw coach Jason Strange replaced the front row of Luke Garrett, Ieuan Morris, Adam Williams and Cameron Regan with Morgan Williams, Joe Franchi, Adam Court and Jack Pope.
After a long kick put into the shadows of the Bridgend post, the away side tried to play out from their goal line. A tackle by the hosts fly half Lloyd saw the Steelmen regain the ball. On the try line, hooker Joe Franchi, assisted by prop Adam Court powered their way over the line for the captain to touch down. Lloyd kicked the conversion.
Early contact at a scrum in the home sides half by the Steelmen saw referee Evans award the Ravens a free kick. From the resulting free kick, the visitors went through the phases. The ball eventually went out to winger Cameron Ellis to put a cross field kick in to be collected and scored by replacement scrum half Callaghan Smith. The conversion was kicked by Smith.
The hour mark saw Ebbw coach Strange replace centre Harry Wilson with the returning Ethan Phillips, Jacob Hopkins came on for Kobi Rees and Lewis Young replaced Ryan Jenkins.
With fifteen minutes left in the game, a scrum from a not straight Bridgend lineout, saw referee Evans award the home side a penalty. With Lloyd kicking to the corner, a lineout on the five-metre line, saw replacement Jacob Hopkins peel off the maul and beat the tackle to score the games final try of the evening. Lloyd kicked the conversion.
Ebbw Vale try scoring scrum half Rory Harries was replaced by Dan Buffrey.
With the game inside the last ten minutes, pushing and shoving off the ball ended with the assistant referee adjudging replacement centre Ethan Phillips to have thrown a punch. Referee Evans consulted his assistant and showed Phillips a red card to reduce Ebbw Vale to fourteen men for the remainder of the game.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 48 Bridgend Ravens RFC 17
Tries: Ryan Jenkins (2), Ryan Gardner (1), Rory Harries (1), Penalty try (1), Kobi Rees (1), Joe Franchi (1), Jacob Hopkins (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)
PLEASE NOTE: The red card given to Ethan Phillips has been rescinded and Ethan will be available for the next match against Carmarthen Quins
Ebbw Vale RFC next game is at home against Carmarthen Quins on Sat 5th April 2025, with kick off at 2:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Steelmen Come Unstuck
Ebbw Vale visited Church Bank, Llandovery to play the SRC Cup final against the Drovers on Thursday evening in front of the S4C Clic camera’s. The game saw captain Joe Franchi make his 200th appearance for the club and brother Dom Franchi on his 150th.
The visitors were forced into a change within the first minute when inside centre Dom Franchi was forced to leave the field, with concussion. Replacement Ieuan Evans came onto the pitch in Franchi’s absence.
The first try of the final came when influential scrum half Lee Rees made a darting run from a knock down from a lineout inside the away side’s twenty-two, to score the try. Outside half Ioan Hughes added the extras.
The Steelmen were to hit back with what was to be their only try of the evening. From a lineout in the hosts twenty-two, the forwards set up a driving maul which resulted in hooker Joe Franchi crossing the line to score his teams try. Fly half Evan Lloyd kicked the conversion to bring the scores level.
Two penalties by the home sides number ten Hughes before half time extended the lead to six points at the interval.
Half time: Llandovery RFC 13 Ebbw Vale RFC 7
The second half started in the same fashion as the first half finished with the home side on the front foot and the Ebbw Vale players putting their bodies on the line by making tackle after tackle.
The pressure was soon to pay off when hooker Taylor Davies scored his sides second try of the game from a driving maul. Hughes sent the ball through the middle of the posts.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange replaced scrum half Rory Harries with the returning Jon Evans. Unfortunately for the experienced number nine, within minutes Evans had to be helped off the pitch due to an injury. This saw full back Matt Jones come onto the field and starting full back Morgan Richards fill in as emergency scrum half.
Moments later Ebbw were reduced to fourteen men when flanker Jack Pope was shown the yellow card by referee Matthew Leon to spend ten minutes in the sin bin.
The Drovers were to take advantage of their numerical advantage when winger Harri Doel scored in the corner. On this occasion Hughes was unsuccessful with the conversion from out wide.
Ebbw Vale replaced the front row of Luke Garrett, Joe Franchi and Adam Williams with Morgan Williams, Ieuan Morris and Adam Court, and within a few minute’s flanker Jack Pope was not to re-enter the field, and was replaced by Cameron Regan.
A good back’s move by Llandovery from their own half was finished with winger Kian Abraham putting in a chip over the defence. The winger used his speed to dive on the ball over the line. Hughes again kicked the conversion.
The final change of the game by Ebbw coach Strange saw Lewis Young come onto the field for Ryan Jenkins.
Two tries by Llandovery during the second half were ruled out by the referee. However, the home side were to extend their lead further by scoring another converted try.
Full Time: Llandovery RFC 39 Ebbw Vale RFC 7
Try scorer: Joe Franchi (1)
Conversion: Evan Lloyd (1)
Ebbw Vale RFC`s next league game is at home to Bridgend RFC on Thursday 27th March 2025, with kick off at 7:30pm. The game will be shown live in front of the S4C Clic cameras.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen travel to Church Bank to face Llandovery RFC in the final of the SRC Cup on Thursday night, live on S4C Clic.
The Steelmen have progressed to the final after beating Carmarthen Quins, Pontypool RFC, Newport RFC and Swansea RFC in the group stage. The team becomes only the second Steelmen team to reach the final of the domestic cup competition following Kingsley Jones’s Steelmen in 1998.
Jason Strange has named the following squad for the final. There are a number of changes from the side that faced Swansea RFC last weekend. Cameron Davies, Adam Williams and Ryan Jenkins return to the starting XV. While Jon Evans and Matt Jones return from injury to appear amongst the replacements.
15 Morgan Richards 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Cameron Davies 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett. 2 Joe Franchi. 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements from
Ieuan Morris Morgan Williams Adam Court Cameron Regan Lewis Young Jon Evans Kobi Rees Ieuan Evans Matt Jones
The game sees Joe Franchi reach 200 games for the Steelmen and his brother Dom make his 150th appearance.
Road to the SRC Cup Final
The Steelmen have reached the SRC CUP Final having won all 4 matches in SRC Cup Group B
Carmarthen Quins (H) 24 – 7 won
Pontypool RFC (A) 18 – 13 won
Newport RFC (H) 44 – 21 won
Swansea RFC (A) 33 – 19 won
Played 4 Won 4
Points Scored: 119
Points Conceded: 60
Stats Attack
The Steelmen have used 31 players in the cup competition so far.
6 players started all 4 group games in the cup: Morgan Richards, Evan Lloyd, Gruff Tough, Dom Franchi, Adam Court and Curtis Gregory
The team have scored 17 tries in the 4 matches. 11 different players have scored tries with Joe Franchi the top scorer with 4 tries. There has also been a penalty try awarded to the Steelmen
Evan Lloyd has scored 32 points with the boot in the group stages.
Match Details
SRC Cup Final
Llandovery RFC V Ebbw Vale RFC
Thursday 20th March
Church Bank
7.30pm
Looking Back…
SWALEC CUP FINAL
Saturday 23rd May 1998
Ebbw Vale RFC 12 Llanelli RFC 19
Scorers: Ebbw Vale: Pens: B Hayward 3; DG: B Hayward. Llanelli: Try: M Madden; Con: C Warlow; Pen: C Warlow 4.
The Steelmen reached their one and only SWALEC Cup Final against Llanelli RFC 27 years ago in May 1998. It was also the only final to take place outside of Wales being played at Ashton Gate in Bristol. The Steelmen had beaten Swansea RFC, Cardiff RFC and Newport RFC on the route to the final.
The Ebbw Vale team that day had an all international back row in skipper Kingsley Jones, Richie Collins and Mark Jones. Behind the scrum were future Welsh Internationals Dai Llewellyn, Byron Hayward and Lennie Woodard. While in the second row was Kuli Faletau, father of current Welsh International Taulupe, who partnered Chay Billen while another Tongan International Siua Taumalolo started at full back. There was also a young back on the bench for the Steelmen. You may recognise him, his name was Jason Strange.
Going into the final 10 minutes, the game was tied at 12 all before a try from Martyn Madden secured victory for Llanelli by 19 -12.
The Independent Newspaper reported that,
While Llanelli once again confirmed their title of “cup kings”, Ebbw Vale left their first final appearance kicking themselves. They dominated the game, could and should have won the biggest prize in their history. Three unusual penalty misses from their dead-eyed dick outside-half Byron Hayward did not help, although neither did the fact they were unable to work the ball down their back line during their periods of dominance.
In their Tongan full-back Siua Taumololo they had the most potent attacking weapon on the field, as well as the nominated man of the match, yet he was confined to a handful of counter-attacking opportunities, instead of spearheading first or later phase attacks.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man and it was Madden who stole the glory with his remarkable burst in support of a Rupert Moon break.
The Teams that day were:
Ebbw Vale: Josh Taumololo; Alun Harries, Jon Hawker (Jason Strange, 75), John Funnell, Lenny Woodard; Byron Hayward, David Llewellyn; Alan Phillips, Leyton Phillips (Steve Jones, 76), Mike Wilson, Chay Billen, Kuli Faletau, Richie Collins, Kingsley Jones (captain), Mark Jones
Reps Unused: Iestyn Thomas, Lee Banks, Paul Pook, Gareth Bisp
Llanelli: Darril Williams; Wayne Proctor, Neil Boobyer (Matthew Wintle, 63), Nigel Davies, Garan Evans; Craig Warlow, Rupert Moon; Aled Jones, Robin McBryde (captain), Martyn Madden, Vernon Cooper, Mike Voyle, Chris Wyatt (Andrew Gibbs, 63), Iwan Jones, Hefin Jenkins
Reps Unused: Huw Williams-Jones, Jason Hyatt, Aled Thomas, Stephen Jones
Click on the link to watch the SWALEC Cup Final from 1998
On Thursday evening, the current Steelmen squad become the second Steelmen team to play in our domestic cup final.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Reach The Final
The Steelmen were made to work hard to come away from St Helens with a bonus point victory and book their place in the final of the SRC Cup.
Swansea were quick out of the blocks. With the hosts backs receiving quick ball, centre Callum Dodd used his strength to break through the visitor’s defence out wide and score the first try of the afternoon. Home outside half Josh Phillips was unable to add the two points from out wide.
The away side soon hit back. A good line run by fullback Morgan Richards saw the number fifteen attack the line at pace from a good pass by Ebbw fly half Evan Lloyd. Splitting the defenders, Richards went over untouched to level the scores. Number ten Lloyd put the visitors ahead after kicking the conversion.
The visitors were reduced to fourteen men when referee Keith David sent captain Joe Franchi to the sin bin due to ill-discipline.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange was forced into an early change. Inform scrum half Gruff Tough was replaced by Rory Harries due to an injury, after making a tackle on a Swansea forward.
The scoreline was to sway back into the All White’s favour. After a good break by the Swansea backs, winger Harvey James used his strength to go over the line and put the home side back in front. Outside half Phillips successfully added the two points.
The away side were forced into another change when winger Hamish Anderson was replaced by Ned Bennett due to an injury.
With the hosts looking dangerous, a backs move was finished off by inside centre Joe Thomas to score the All White’s third try of the afternoon. Phillips again added the extra two points.
The away side started to spend a bit of time in the Swansea twenty-two and apply some pressure. From a lineout, the forwards set up a rolling maul, which was finished off with captain Joe Franchi diving over the line. Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
Half Time: Swansea RFC 19 Ebbw Vale RFC 12
The away side came out for the second half with the grit between their teeth. Captain Franchi was again the benefactor of a rolling maul from a lineout in the Swansea twenty-two. Lloyd added the two points to level the scores.
Ebbw Vale coach Strange rang the changes when prop Adam Williams, flanker Jack Pope and number eight Jacob Hopkins came on for Adam Court, Cameron Regan and Lewis Young. Moments later prop Luke Garrett left the field to be replaced by Morgan Williams.
Shortly afterwards the visitors were to retake the lead. From another rolling maul at a lineout inside the home side’s half, captain Franchi scored his third try of the afternoon. Lloyd again kicked the conversion.
The away side’s final change of the afternoon saw flanker Kobi Rees enter the field for Sion Parry.
Both sides were reduced to fourteen men when referee David sent Ebbw Vale second row Curtis Gregory and replacement Swansea forward Tom Crockett to the sin bin for ten minutes after an off the ball altercation.
The final try of the afternoon came from second row Dylan Bartlett. From another rolling maul at the lineout, the second row used his strength to fend off the opposition tacklers and reach out for the line. Lloyd sent the conversion through the middle of the uprights.
The steelmen won the game to book their place in their first cup final in 27 years.
Full Time: Swansea RFC 19 Ebbw Vale RFC 33
Try scorers: Morgan Richards (1), Joe Franchi (3), Dylan Bartlett (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (4)
The Steelmen have a short turnaround to their next game.
The team are away to Llandovery RFC at Church Bank on Thursday 20th of March 2025 with kick off at 7:30pm, in the final of the SRC Cup. The game will be played in front of the S4C Clic cameras.
The Steelmen travel to St Helens to face Swansea RFC in the final group game of the SRC Cup. The Steelmen will be looking to make it 4 wins out of four in the SRC Cup having already beaten Carmarthen Quins, Pontypool RFC and Newport RFC in the group stage. Victory will see the Steelmen progress to the SRC Cup Final against Llandovery RFC.
Jason Strange has made several changes to the squad for the game. Ryan Gardner moves to outside centre with Hamish Anderson starting on the wing.
Up front, Luke Garrett starts in the front row and there are two changes in the back row with Cameron Regan and Lewis Young coming into the starting XV.
There are places on the bench for Jacob Hopkins and Ned Bennett.
Ebbw Vale Squad
15 Morgan Richards 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Ryan Gardner 12 Dom Franchi 11 Hamish Anderson 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Gruff Tough
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi © 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Cameron Regan 7 Sion Parry 8 Lewis Young
Replacements
16 Morgan Davies 17 Morgan Williams 18 Adam Williams 19 Jack Pope 20 Jacob Hopkins 21 Rory Harries 22 Kobi Rees 23 Ned Bennett
Match INFORMATION
Swansea RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Saturday 15th March
St Helens
Reminder of the earlier kick off time
Kick Off 2.00 pm
Admission Prices
FULL PRICE – £12
Over 65’s – £10
Under 16’s – FREE
Ebbw Addicts Travel
The Addicts will be providing transport to Swansea on Saturday. They will be leaving the Welfare at 12.30pm
For those travelling to the match:
Swansea Rugby Club, 1 Bryn Road, Brynmill, Swansea, SA2 0AR
Ebbw maintain 100% cup record
The Steelmen claimed six points from the Gwent derby to move to the top of the SRC group Cup table after playing on a lovely sunny day.
Newport took the lead from an early penalty by fly half Jac Lloyd to put the visitors three points to the good.
However, the tone for the afternoon was about to be set. From a lineout in the Black and Ambers twenty-two, the home forwards set up a rolling maul, which resulted in prop Adam Court dotting down over the line. Club top points scorer Evan Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
The second try of the afternoon quickly followed. With a lot to do and plenty of space in front of him, scrum half Gruff Tough used his pace to race past numerous defenders from his own half. A fantastic break saw Tough draw the last line of defence and pass to winger Ryan Gardner, who showed a clean pair of heels to go over the line out wide. Fly half Lloyd successfully sent the conversion through the middle of the posts to extend Ebbw’s lead to nine points.
With the hosts dominant, a high tackle by Newport hooker Henry Palmer and ill discipline by Ben Roach, saw the away side reduced to thirteen men for ten minutes.
The home side took advantage of their numerical forward advantage. Applying pressure to the line, referee Ben Whitehouse was left with no option but to run under the posts and award the Steelmen a penalty try.
The hosts soon scored their fourth try and claim the first bonus point. From a lineout, the Ebbw Vale forwards set up another rolling maul, which saw captain Joe Franchi score the fourth try of the afternoon. Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
The home side coach Jason Strange was forced into the first substitution of the afternoon after centre Ieuan Evans was replaced by Hamish Anderson due to injury. A reshuffle in the backline was winger Ryan Gardner move to outside centre.
A good backs move from Newport inside the Ebbw Vale half saw centre David Richards score the visitors first try of the afternoon. Outside half Jac Lloyd missed the following conversion.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 24 Newport RFC 8
The Black and Ambers came out for the second half with the grit between their teeth. Shortly after half time, a break of the Ebbw Vale defensive line saw scrum half Daffydd Buckland go over the line unopposed. Number ten Jac Lloyd added the two points to reduce the deficit to nine points.
With the away side having a good spell of possession and territory, referee Whitehouse awarded the away side a penalty. As a result, Ebbw Vale prop Morgan Davies was shown a yellow card.
From the resulting penalty, Newport fly half Jac Lloyd reduced the deficit further to six points.
However, Ebbw Vale increased their lead back to nine points after fly half Evan Lloyd sent a penalty through the middle of the sticks.
The hosts coach Strange then made a host of changes. The front row of Morgan Davies, Joe Franchi and Adam Court were replaced by Luke Garrett, Ieuan Morris and Adam Williams, Cameron Regan came on for flanker Jack Pope and number eight Ryan Jenkins was replaced by Lewis Young.
Soon after the changes, the Steelmen were reduced to fourteen men for the second time during the half. Referee Whitehouse sent flanker Regan to the sin bin for ten minutes.
Newport again made it a six-point game after outside half Jac Lloyd successfully kicked a penalty from inside the Ebbw half.
Once again the hosts struck back. After the forwards went through the phases, Canadian international flanker Sion Parry used his strength to go over and score his sides fifth try of the afternoon. Number ten Evan Lloyd added the two points.
The home side fly half Evan Lloyd extended Ebbw’s lead to sixteen points from a penalty inside the Black and Ambers half.
A further change by Steelmen coach Strange, saw Kobi Rees come on for flanker Sion Parry.
With Ebbw Vale playing a lot of the game in the Newport half, the final try of the afternoon came when Lewis Young use his strength to power over and score the home sides six try of the game. Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.
The Steelmen’s final substitution of the afternoon, came when scrum half Gruff Tough was replaced by Dan Buffrey for the final few minutes.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 44 Newport RFC 21
Ebbw Addicts Man of the Match: Gruff Tough
Tries: Adam Court (1), Ryan Gardner (1), Penalty try (1), Joe Franchi (1), Sion Parry (1), Lewis Young (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)
After the game we spoke with scrum half Gruff Tough. Gruff thought the game went well for Ebbw with lots of positives. However, he was quick to acknowledge there were aspects of the game that still required to be worked on . Gruff believed the team made a strong start, especially in the first half and towards the end, however, he was not happy about letting Newport back into the game in the second half.
Reflecting on receiving man of the match, Gruff was happy to receive his first award from the Ebbw Addicts and is hoping to continue his good form for the remainder of the season.
Ebbw Vale’s next game is away to Swansea RFC, at St Helens for their final SRC Cup group game on Saturday 15th March 2025. Please note there is a slightly earlier kick off of 2pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen play against Newport RFC for the 2nd time in 9 days at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium, this time in the 3rd group game of the SRC Cup.
The Steelmen will be looking to win their 3rd game in the cup having beaten Carmarthen Quins and Pontypool RFC in group B of the SRC Cup so far.
Jason Strange has made 4 changes to the starting XV that beat Newport RFC in Super Rygbi Cymru last week with Ewan Bowden and Ryan Jenkins returning to the match day squad. There are also 2 changes in the front row with Morgan Davies and Adam Court returning to the starting XV.
The full squad is as follows:
15 Morgan Richards 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Ieuan Evans 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Gruff Tough
1 Morgan Davies 2 Joe Franchi © 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Luke Garrett 18 Adam Williams 19 Cameron Regan 20 Lewis Young 21 Rory Harries 22 Kobi Rees 23 Hamish Anderson
Match Details
Ebbw Vale RFC v Newport RFC
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick Off: 2.30pm
Tickets can be purchased at the gate on match day. Both cash and card can be used to purchase match day tickets
Admission Prices:
Full Price £14
Concession: £10
Ebbw win televised derby
The Steelmen claimed a bonus point victory over Newport in a game that was played in front of the S4C Clic cameras. The game saw Lewis Young make his 150th appearance for the club and Morgan Richards on his 50th.
The away side started the game on the front foot. However, despite being awarded two kickable penalties, the Black and Ambers declined the opportunities and kicked to touch. On both occasions they failed to trouble the scoreboard. With the Ebbw forwards getting on top, referee Keith David awarded the home side a penalty. Ebbw Vale flyhalf Evan Lloyd duly obliged and put his team three points ahead.
Moments later the hosts scored the first try of the game. From a lineout inside the Newport twenty two, the Steelmen forwards, joined by the backs set up a rolling maul. Dylan Bartlett was the final player to score the try. Number ten Lloyd added the extra two points.
After awarding Newport a penalty inside their own half, referee David showed Ebbw captain Joe Franchi a yellow card just before the half time interval.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 10 Newport RFC 0
The second half started the same way as the first finished with the home side on top. Countless reset scrums on the visitors five metre line finished with Ebbw being awarded another penalty. Lloyd successfully kicked the penalty.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange made his first few changes of the game with Morgan Davies and Adam Court replacing Adam Williams and Luke Garrett. Minutes later captain Joe Franchi was replaced by Ieuan Morris.
Moments later the hosts extended their lead further. A sublime out of the back of the hand pass by Evan Lloyd to Harry Rees-Weldon left the young winger with plenty to do. Slicing through the defence and stepping outside of the covering defender, Rees-Weldon touched down for Ebbw’s second try of the evening. Lloyd successfully added the extras to put the hosts twenty points to the good.
The final changes of the evening for Ebbw saw scrum half Rory Harries replace Gruff Tough, Lewis Young came off for Jacob Hopkins, Sion Parry was replaced by Kobi Rees and Jack Pope came off for Cameron Reagan.
With full time approaching, Newport were awarded a penalty inside the Steelmen’s half. After the forwards went through the phases, Garin Harris used his power to score Newport a solitary try of the game. Outside half Matt O’Brien was unable to convert the conversion.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 20 Newport RFC 5
Tries: Dylan Bartlett (1), Harry Rees-Weldon (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (2)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)
Ebbw Vale Addicts MOTM: Sion Parry
S4c MOTM: Adam Williams
Ebbw Vale RFC face Newport RFC again next at The Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 1st March 2025 in the SRC Cup, with kick off at 2:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans