Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby

Our next new signing is explosive young hooker, Evan Nicholls-Ngasseu.

He has rapidly progressed through the regional youth ranks and played semi-professional rugby while still an under-18 academy player.. He has represented the Cardiff U18 regional team and was also co-captain of Merthyr Youth for the 2025/26 season.

Evan stepped up to senior rugby during 2025/26 making his debut for Cardiff RFC in the SRC CUP against Pontypool RFC scoring two tries on debut and winning the man of the match award. A few weeks later he repeated the feat on his first SRC league start for Cardiff when he scored another brace of tries against Aberavon RFC.

He joins the Steelmen for the 2026/27 season.

Welcome, Evan!

New Signing

The first new signing for the Steelmen is young, powerful, ball-carrying no 8 Ioan Dacey.

Ioan developed his rugby skills through the junior and youth ranks at Merthyr RFC and has represented Coleg y Cymoedd in the Welsh Schools and Colleges League.

Ioan has also progressed through the  regional age grades at Cardiff Rugby playing for Cardiff U18s and has been part of their Senior Academy.

Ioan has won 2 caps for Wales U18s scoring against Italy on his debut.

Ioan joins the Steelmen for the 2026/27 season.

Welcome, Ioan!

#FeelTheSteel

The Steelmen are delighted to announce that Dylan Bartlett, Curtis Gregory, Alfred Bateman Lloyd and Harry Arundel have been retained for 2026/27.

Dylan Bartlett, passed 100 appearances for the Steelmen at the end of the 2025/26 season and was named Man of Steel at the end of season awards.

Curtis Gregory, starts his 5th season as a Steelman and will look to pass 100 appearances for the club in 2026/27.

Alfred Bateman Lloyd has been a big hit with supporters in his first full season playing for the Steelmen and was named Ebbw Addicts Most Promising Player in 2025/26

Harry Arundel returned to the Steelmen in January 2026 from Bridgend Ravens making a number of appearances during the second half of the season.

#FeelTheSteel

On the week of Arthur Lewis’s funeral, the Steelmen wish to pay tribute to a “once in a generational player worthy of being known as a Man of Steel.”

Balancing top tier rugby with hard work as an electrician, Arthur perfectly embodied the work ethic, grit and humility of the Gwent valleys becoming one of the most feared and respected centres in the amateur era.

Arthur played for his hometown club of Crumlin before joining the Steelmen where he went onto make over 500 appearances for the club. During that time, he captained the team in 1965/66, 1969/70 and 1972/73.

Earning 11 caps for Wales between 1970 and 1973, he won 9 of those matches famously captaining his country and scoring a memorable try against England.  Arthur was also an integral part of the victorious British and Irish Lions squad that toured New Zealand in 1971 scoring tries against Canterbury and Manawatu.

Mostyn Richards played alongside Arthur Lewis at Ebbw Vale

“Arthur was on the Lions tour of NZ in 1971 and was unfortunate not to make the fabulous back division for the 4 tests. He came back having learned a lot from the coaching of Carwyn James and set about turning EVRFC into a side who could mix it with the best teams up front, allied to an invasive back division.

We scored at least 6 or 7 tries literally from behind our goal line over a few years. Arthur was the inspiration of the style of rugby we entertained the crowd with. He taught all of us how to pass, when to pass, weight of pass etc and it paid dividends for many of us.

In a nutshell, he was an outstanding centre for Ebbw Vale, Pontypool, Cross Keys, Monmouthshire, Wales, the Barbarians and the British Lions.

He was a supremely confident attacker, defender and catalyst for all the teams he represented. He was a true legend of EVRFC and always showcased the finer skills of the game in his illustrious career.”

The final word goes to REL, who wrote the following about Arthur,

“He reached the heights of rugby playing on every international ground in the world and received every honour in the game, a great player and character we were privileged to call one of our own.”

Arthur will always be remembered as a true gentleman who always had time for a chat, a pint with supporters and his wealth of rugby stories. He leaves behind a permanent legacy on the legends mural at Ebbw Vale and in the hearts of every supporter who watched him pull on the red white and green jersey. He was, and always will be, a true Man of Steel.

RIP ARTHUR

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that centers Ethan Phillips, Dom Franchi, Cameron Davies and Iwan Holder will remain as Steelmen for 2026/27

Dom Franchi, who led the Steelmen in the absence of his brother Joe through injury last season, will look to pass 200 appearances during the 2026/27 season.

Ethan Phillips, named in the SRC Team of the Year for 2025/26, will look to pass 150 appearances for the Steelmen in 2026/27

Cameron Davies starts his 3rd full season as a Steelman since signing from the Dragons Academy. Cameron will look to pass 50 appearances for the Steelmen in 2026/27.

Iwan Holder signed for the Steelmen from Hereford RFC at the start of 25/26 season. He played a number of games for Newbridge RFC in the Welsh Premiership before injury ended his season. He will be looking to make am impact with the Steelmen in 2026/27

#FeelTheSteel

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce that props Luke Garrett, Morgan Bosanko, Adam Williams and Morgan Williams will remain as Steelmen for the 2026/27 season.

Luke Garrett, has been a stalwart of the team over a number of seasons and was named in the SRC team of the year for both 24/25 and 25/26. Luke will look to pass 150 games for the Steelmen in 2026/27

Morgan Bosanko, has proved a big hit with the supporters since joining from Pontypridd RFC last season. Morgan was named in the SRC team of the year for 25/26 and can play on both sides of the scrum.

Adam Williams will start his 3rd full season as a Steelman since joining from Cardiff Rugby. Adam passed 50 appearances for the Steelmen in 2025/26.

Morgan Williams starts his second full season as a Steelman since signing from the Dragons Academy. Morgan will look to pass 50 appearances for the Steelmen in 2026/27

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

Commenting on his appointment as captain. Sion said

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Steelmen will play 3 preseason games this summer against Cross Keys, Dings Crusaders and Brynmawr RFC.

The Addicts will be providing transport to the Dings Crusaders match on Saturday 22md August.

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

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

The full list of awards were as follows:

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

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