Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
The Steelmen will look to continue their unbeaten start to the season with a Gwent Derby against Newport RFC at the Newport Stadium today. This is the first meeting this season between the two teams who reached the playoff final of Super Rygbi Cymru in 2024/25.
There are two changes to the starting XV for Ebbw Vale with Dom Franchi returning as skipper at centre and Alfred Bateman Lloyd making his first start for the team in the second row. Hooker, Ieuan Morris, will be looking to continue to great try scoring form having already scored 6 tries in 4 appearances this season.
The match will also see the return of Ben Main and Gruff Tough to the match day squad.
The full squad is as follow:
15 Evan Lloyd 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi © 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Dorian Jones 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Adam Williams 4 Alferd Bateman Lloyd 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Owen Conquer
Replacements
16 Joe Franchi 17 Adam Court 18 Morgan Bosanko 19 Ben Main 20 Lewis Young 21 Gruff Tough 22 Dylan Edwards 23 Cameron Davies
Match Information
Newport RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Newport Stadium
Kick Off 2.30pm
Admission Prices
Full Price £14
Concession £10
Tickets can be purchased here: Tickets – NEWPORT RFC
Travel Information
Postcode for Satnavs NP19 4PT
There is plenty of free parking at the stadium.
Ebbw Snatch Bonus Point Victory
Ebbw Vale played in cold conditions under the lights and in front of the S4C camaras for the first time this season, at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium looking to continue their six points winning streak.
Immediately from the kick off the Steelmen were awarded a penalty by referee Carwyn Sion for a side entry by Llandovery. Ebbw no.10 Dorian Jones missed the kick to the corner. Referee Sion awarded Llandovery a penalty for holding on. Llandovery opted for a lineout which then was judged to be not straight enough for the referee`s liking. From the Ebbw scrum, the home side was gifted a free kick.
Referee Sion offered Llandovery the chance to take the lead after a home side player came in at the side of the ruck. Llandovery no.10 Ioan Hughes slotted the penalty from the ten-metre line to put Llandovery three points ahead.
The first try of the game came moments later when referee Sion gave the hosts a penalty, to which Jones kicked into the corner. From the lineout, the Steelmen forwards set up a maul, which ended with hooker Ieuan Morris using his strength to crash over the line. Fly half Jones converted the conversion to give the home side the lead 7-3.
A quick lineout by the hosts full back Evan Lloyd, saw the young number fifteen pass to outside half Jones. With acres of field in front of him, Jones put in a banana kick which resulted in a 50:22 and a lineout to Ebbw. However, from the top of the lineout, the ball was turned over by Llandovery, who cleared their lines.
The home sides coach Jason Strange was forced into an early change when second row Dylan Bartlett had to go off due to injury and was replaced by young second row Alfred Bateman Lloyd. After the little stoppage, Llandovery went for the corner.
With Llandovery enjoying quick ball and enjoying consecutive penalties, the Drovers finished off a good passage of play with centre Rhodri Jones crashing over the line, despite the efforts of the Ebbw Vale defence. Number ten Hughes shunts the ball through the uprights to put Llandovery back in front 7-10.
The visitors quickly added another try, when from a long pass in midfield by scrum half Lee Rees to winger Tomi Lewis, saw the winger walk over out wide. Hughes was unable to add the extras.
The hosts scored their second try of the half soon after. Good work by the Ebbw forwards saw scrum half Rory Harries deliver quick ball to Dorian Jones. With an overlap outside him, the experienced number ten, drew his man and passed to centre and captain Ethan Phillips. With the defence rushing at him Phillips stood up the defender and passed to flyer Ewan Bowden on the wing. Bowden did the rest by using his speed to go in at the corner unopposed. Number ten Jones powered the ball through the sticks to make it a one-point game.
Halftime: Ebbw Vale RFC 14 Llandovery RFC 15
Llandovery came firing out of the blocks in the second half. The referee awarded the Drovers a penalty. Llandovery choose to go to the corner as Ebbw coach Strange made his second change of the night bringing on experienced centre Dom Franchi for Cameron Davies. From the resulting lineout, the away side gained another advantage. The home side`s number two Morris was yellow carded by referee Sion for illegal play in the ruck. With the Steelmen down to fourteen, Llandovery took advantage and scored a try through Tiaan Sparrow, Hughes slotting the conversion to regain an eight-point lead.
From quick play and inside the visitor’s half, the ball made its way out to Ebbw Vale flanker Sion Parry, who was tackled. From which all players gathered pushing and shoving each other. Referee Carwyn Sion stopped play, reviewed the ruck with assistant referee Craig Evans. and showed Llandovery’s outside centre Corey Baldwin a red card for a stamp on Ebbw’s number fifteen Lloyd`s side of the head.
With a man advantage Ebbw Vale fly half Jones put the ball into the corner. With Morris in the sin bin, replacement hooker Charlie Manship came on for his debut and Bowden was sacrificed. With the grit between their teeth, from the lineout the Steelmen set up a driving maul and heaved their way over the line for debutant Manship to score. Jones was successful with the conversion, leaving it with one point between the two sides.
Within minutes of each other the hosts coach Strange decided to bring on fresh legs in the front row with Adam Court replacing Adam Williams and Luke Garrett making way for Morgan Bosanko.
Quick ball to the Ebbw backs, saw the ball make its way out to speedster Bowden on the wing. After having his kick charged down, replacement centre Franchi showed his power to break through three tackles before going to ground. More quick ball out to centre Phillips, resulted in Phillips taking the tackle and setting up the next phase of play. A long-switched pass by winger Bowden saw the ball go through the forwards hands before being tackled. Quick ball by Harries to full back Lloyd saw Lloyd quickly pass the ball onto second row Bateman-Lloyd. Running a good line and taking two tacklers, the young second row passed to supporting centre Franchi who managed to take the ball behind him, swivel and power through a tackle to score a well taken try. Number ten Jones kicked the conversion.
In the last quarter of the game, the home side stretched their lead. Excellent play in the backs saw a long pass by Lloyd make its way out to winger Dafydd Thomas. Using his speed and strength the winger got over the gain line and into the visitors twenty-two. Quick ball back and forth saw fly half Jones pick a good line and pass out of the tackle to supporting centre Phillips. Despite the best efforts of the covering defenders, Phillips used his speed and strength to go over out wide. Jones hooked the ball wide.
The hosts coach Strange brought on replacement scrum half Dan Buffery for Rory Harries and Lewis Young for number eight Owen Conquer.
With the game inside the last ten minutes and Ebbw making their numerical advantage count, from a lineout in the Drovers twenty-two, the Steelmen scored their six try of the game. The forwards once again set up a rolling maul, with the backs joining in and hooker Morris powered over to score his second try of the game. Dorian Jones converted the try.
With only 5 minutes left of the gave Ebbw brought on Dylan Edwards for Fullback Evan Lloyd.
Fulltime: Ebbw Vale RFC 40 Llandovery RFC 22
Tries: Ieuan Morris (2), Charlie Manship (1), Ewan Bowden (1), Ethan Phillips (1), Dom Franchi (1)
Conversions: Dorian Jones (5)
After the game we spoke with winger Dafydd Thomas. Dafydd thought it was a really good game. However, he thought the team started slowly. Dafydd saw similarities to the Cardiff game at home two weeks previously. To improve, Dafydd thought the team need to build the game, coming out of the blocks early. Dafydd praised Llandovery for showing what they are all about as a club in the first half, Finally, Dafydd praised the team for outmuscling Llandovery, in particular praising both Ieuan Morris and Charlie Manship on the night, for scoring a lot of tries.
Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe
Ebbw Vale RFC`s next game is a Gwent derby away to Newport RFC at Newport Stadium on Saturday 25th October 2025, with kick off at 2:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evan
The Steelmen squad for the game against Llandovery RFC
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Inspiring Coach Education Evening with Alistair Rogers
Our latest Coach Education Evening proved to be one of the most insightful sessions yet, as local community and junior coaches gathered to learn from a world-class guest — Alistair Rogers, former Ebbw Vale openside flanker who went on to achieve incredible success on the global stage.
After hanging up his boots, Alistair’s career took him into the professional coaching and analysis arena, where he became a key member of the New Zealand All Blacks’ backroom team, contributing to their historic back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015. He has since continued to develop his coaching craft, most recently serving as Defence Coach for the Auckland Blues in Super Rugby.
During the evening, Alistair delivered an outstanding session on defensive systems and principles, sharing his insights into how the world’s best sides approach the art of defence — from structure and communication to mindset and accountability. Coaches in attendance were treated to a blend of technical knowledge, real-world experience, and practical takeaways to apply within their own teams.
The session also provided a great opportunity for local coaches to connect, share ideas, and continue their own development as part of our ongoing commitment to raising coaching standards across the community and junior game.
A huge thank you to Alistair Rogers for his time and expertise, and to everyone who attended and contributed to another excellent evening of learning and discussion.
We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to grow together as a coaching community.
#CoachDevelopment #GrassrootsRugby #LearningTogether
#AllBlacks #BluesRugby #Ebbw Vale
Ebbw Vale Legends: Men of Steel Mural
The last home game against Cardiff RFC saw the official unveiling of the Ebbw Vale Legends; Men of Steel mural at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium. The event which saw speeches by local AM Alun Davies and Club Chairman Jon Jones, was attended by family members and former players of Ebbw Vale RFC. The five men honoured in the mural were Denzil Williams, Arthur Lewis, Mark Jones, Clive Burgess and Gareth Howls who were chosen to represent all former players in the Steelmen family.
The mural was created by local artist, James Telford, who also created the Mark Jones mural in Tredegar.
As for the men who appeared in the mural:
Denzil Williams
Denzil Williams played for the Steelmen first as a lock forward before becoming an international prop forward. He twice played for the combined Abertillery & Ebbw Vale XV at lock, against New Zealand in 1963 and as captain against Australia in 1966. At prop he played for Monmouthshire against New Zealand in 1967 and for Gwent against South Africa in 1969. Between 1963 and 1971 he gained 36 caps for Wales. On the 1966 British Lions tour of Australasia he made 20 appearances, including five tests. He captained the Barbarians against Cardiff in 1971.
Gareth Howls
Gareth played as prop or lock for Ebbw Vale, the Barbarians, the Gwent and British Police, Crawshay’s Welsh and the County teams against the All-Blacks and Springboks.
He was Ebbw Vale Player of the Year in 1975, captain of the club four seasons in the Seventies, played four times for Wales A. He made his debut for his one and only club in September 1965 and retired in 1981 after 608 appearances, a club record.
Clive Burgess
Clive, a backrow forward, made over 200 appearances for the Steelmen before finishing his career in Italy.
He was capped for the Wales B team against France in 1976 and his first full cap came in a try-scoring debut against Ireland in 1977 Clive was a key member of the 1977 Triple Crown winning side and on his recall in 1981, voted Welsh Player of the Year. Renowned for his mauling strength, Clive won nine caps between 1977 and 1982.
Arthur Lewis
Arthur Lewis, played for Ebbw Vale RFC making his Welsh debut in 1970 in a Five Nations victory over France in Cardiff. Arthur went on to record 11 caps, winning nine times and losing just twice with his country. His sole try came against England at Cardiff in January 1973.
Arthur was part of the 1971 Lions Tour to New Zealand where he featured in ten midweek fixtures for the Lions scoring tries against Canterbury and Manawatu/Horowhenua.
Mark Jones
Mark Jones, a dual code international, returned to play for Ebbw Vale RFC from Warrington rugby league team in 1996 and played a major role in one the most successful periods in the club’s history playing in the SWALEC Cup Final and famous wins in Europe over the likes of Toulouse and Toulon.
Mark Jones won 11 caps for Wales in the 13-man game, including two during a famous 1995 World Cup campaign where Wales reached the semi-finals. He also represented Great Britain, playing one game against France in February 1992.
Mark won 15 caps in rugby union winning final cap as a lock against Zimbabwe in June 1998 while playing for the Steelmen.
Jason Strange – Head Coach, Ebbw Vale RFC commented,
“It’s a real privilege to be here today to celebrate and recognise some of the great players who’ve worn the Ebbw Vale shirt over the years. The unveiling of this mural isn’t just about remembering names and faces — it’s about honouring the standards, commitment, and passion these men represented, values that have shaped this club for generations.
As a club, it’s vital that we remember and respect our history. The players we honour today set the benchmark for what it means to be a Steelman — the hard work, the pride, and the resilience that define this community.
For us now, the challenge is to carry those traditions forward. We’re not just building a team; we’re building a club — one that represents the town, connects generations, and gives people something to be proud of. A strong club creates strong teams, and the standards set by the legends behind us inspire everything we do today.
This mural is a powerful reminder that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves. Every time we walk into the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium, we’re reminded of those who built the foundations — and it’s our responsibility to uphold their legacy and keep driving Ebbw Vale RFC forward.”
The club would also like to thank Ron Skinners & Sons, MCL Logistics, Dean James and Marcus Russell for sponsoring the mural.
#FeelTheSteel
The Steelmen head off to the capital for the return fixture against Cardiff RFC at the Arms Park today following their 60 -20 win against the same opposition last weekend at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium. The Steelmen have achieved maximum points so far, after winning their opening three games in Super Rygbi Cymru, while Cardiff RFC have won one and lost two matches this season.
Jason Strange makes a number of changes to the squad for the match. Evan Lloyd returns at 10 with Dylan Edwards returning to the starting XV at full back. Ieuan Morris, after scoring a hattrick of tries last week, comes into the team at hooker. Charlie Manship will be looking to make his debut from the bench, while there are first appearances of the season for Morgan Williams and Ben Main. Dan Buffery and Dom Franchi also come onto the bench. Ethan Phillips will captain the team.
The full squad is as follows:
15 Dylan Edwards 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips (c) 12 Cam Davies 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Lewis Young 8 Owen Conquer
16 Charlie Manship 17 Morgan Williams 18 Morgan Bosanko 19 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 20 Ben Main 21 Dan Buffery 22 Dorian Jones 23 Dom Franchi
#FeelTheSteel
Match Day Prices
Match Day Adult – £15 ( Purchased at the ground on day of game)
Concessions – £10
Junior – Free
Match tickets are available from ticket booths near the turnstiles
Match information
Cardiff RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Saturday 4th October
Cardiff Arms Park
2.30pm
CF10 1JA
Ebbw secure another six pointer
The Steelmen put together their best performance of the season so far to claim their third six points from the first three games of the season.
The hosts were awarded a penalty within a few minutes of the kick off after referee Ben Breakspear penalised Cardiff. Outside half Dorian Jones successfully kicked the penalty to put the home side three points to the good.
However, the away side soon struck back. After good work by the forwards from a lineout, Gavin Parry scored the games opening try. Fly half Lloyd Lucas added the extras.
Two minutes later the Rags extended their lead after referee Breakspear awarded the visitors a penalty. Number ten Lucas extended their lead to seven points.
From a lineout to Ebbw Vale just outside the Cardiff twenty-two, the forwards set up a good platform for the backs. With the ball making its way to outside half Dorian Jones, the experienced ten made a break, drew the last defender and passed for outside centre Ethan Phillips to cross the line for a well taken try. Fly half Jones successfully kicked the conversion to level the scores.
With the home side getting on top, from a lineout near the try line, the forwards set up a driving maul, which finished with hooker Joe Franchi diving over the line. Jones again kicked the conversion.
The visitors hit back when from two good long passes in the backline, winger Joe Goodchild scored a well finished try in the corner. Lucas was unsuccessful with the conversion.
The hosts coach Jason Strange was forced into a first half change when captain Joe Franchi had to leave the field due to injury and was replaced by Ieuan Morris.
However, the momentum was with the Steelmen and from another lineout inside the Cardiff twenty-two, the forwards, joined by the backs got the maul rolling towards the try line. Referee Breakspear awarded the penalty try after judging the visitors had stopped the maul illegally. Prop Will Davies-King was sent to the sin bin as a result.
Deep into stoppage time the hosts scored their fourth and bonus point try. From an overthrow by the Rags at a lineout in their own twenty-two, replacement hooker Ieuan Morris did well to claim the ball and set up the forwards attempt to charge over the line. Scrum half Rory Harries saw the space out wide and got quick ball to flyhalf Jones, who put in a long pass to outside centre sent Phillips. Using his strength and skill, Phillips spun in the tackle and offloaded to supporting player Morgan Richards who dived over to score. Jones again successfully kicked the conversion.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 31 Cardiff RFC 15
The first changes by Ebbw Vale in the second half saw Sion Parry return from international duty to replace flanker Lewis Young and prop Morgan Bosanko came on for Luke Garrett.
Within ten minutes of the restart the Steelmen extended their lead further. After good work by the forwards, hooker Morris used his power to barge over the line. Outside half Jones sent the ball through the middle of the sticks.
Further changes by coach Strange saw prop Adam Court replace Adam Williams and player coach Dorian Jones go off to be replaced by Evan Lloyd.
The visitors struck back. After the forwards went through phase after phase, the ball made its way out to winger Goodchild, who acrobatically scored his second try of the game out wide. Lucas was unable to add the extras.
Replacement scrum half Carter Pritchard came on to replace Rory Harries.
However, the home side once again added to the score line after hooker Morris scored his second from a rolling maul at the lineout. Replacement number ten Evan Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
The Steelmen’s final changes of the game saw Cameron Davies and Curtis Gregory be replaced by Dylan Edwards and Alfred Bateman Lloyd.
With the game being played just inside the away sides half, the ball made its way out to Ebbw outside half Lloyd who put in a long missed pass out to centre Phillips. Phillips drew his man and put full back Richards into space. With a two on one overlap Richards drew his man and passed to winger Ewan Bowden. From outside the Rags twenty-two Bowden showed his speed to go over the line unopposed. Number ten Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
With the home side forwards making yard after yard, replacement scrum half Carter Pritchard passed the ball out to fullback Richards. With quick hands Richards drew his man and offloaded to the supporting player to create a three on one overlap. Winger Bowden passed to replacement Sion Parry who showed nimble feet to round a defender and then beat the last man. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
The final try of the game went to the hosts, when from a driving maul at the lineout in the Cardiff twenty-two, hooker Morris claimed his hat trick of tries. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion to bring the game to a close.
Final score: Ebbw Vale RFC 60 Cardiff RFC 20
Try Scorers: Ethan Phillps (1), Joe Franchi (1), Penalty try (1), Morgan Richards (1), Ieuan Morris (3), Ewan Bowden (1), Sion Parry (1).
Conversions: Dorian Jones (4), Evan Lloyd (1)
Penalty: Dorian Jones (1)
Ebbw Vale Man of the match: Dorian Jones
Match Day Squad
There was a late change to the match day squad with Dylan Edwards coming into the match day 23 in place of Dom Franchi
Ebbw Vale’s next game is away to Cardiff RFC at the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday 4th October 2025, with kick off at 2:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe
The SRC Challengers Shield is on the line as the Steelmen entertain Cardiff RFC at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium this afternoon. The Steelmen have gained maximum points in the first two rounds of Super Rygbi Cymru this season with victories over Aberavon RFC and the Bridgend Ravens. Cardiff RFC have won one and lost one in their first two rounds.
Jason Strange makes a number of changes to the squad from the game against Bridgend Ravens. Dorian Jones makes his first start at 10 with Cameron Davies also coming into the starting line up at inside centre. Lewis Young makes his first appearance at 7 with Canadian International Sion Parry returning to the squad on the bench. In one further change, Morgan Richards returns at full back.
The full squad is as follows:
15 Morgan Richards 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Cameron Davies 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Dorian Jones 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (c) 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Lewis Young 8 Owen Conquer
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Adam Court 18 Morgan Bosanko 19 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 20 Sion Parry 21 Carter Pritchard 22 Evan Lloyd 23 Dom Franchi
Admission Prices
Full Price £15
Concession £10
Tickets can be purchased at the following link: Ebbw Vale RFC v Cardiff RFC
Steelmen Mural Unveiling
This Saturday is the unveiling of the tribute to past Ebbw Vale players and Men of Steel. Everyone is welcome to join us and the players families at 2.15pm prior to the kick off of the game against Cardiff RFC
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw win on the road
Ebbw Vale came away from the Dunraven Brewery Field with maximum six points after playing the game in rainy conditions.
The visitors took the lead within the first ten minutes after referee Craig Evans awarded the Steelmen a penalty. Fly half Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the penalty.
Despite the best efforts of both sides, neither side could add to the scoreboard until referee Evans awarded the hosts a penalty. Number ten Fraser Jones brought the scores level.
The first try of the afternoon came just after the half an hour mark. A good break through the home defence by winger Dafydd Thomas saw the winger break the line, round the full back and score a well taken try under the posts. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.
Half Time: Bridgend Ravens 3 Ebbw Vale RFC 10
The away sides second try of the afternoon came within fifteen minutes of the interval. From a lineout in the Bridgend twenty-two, the Ebbw forwards set up a driving maul which ended with hooker Ieuan Morris scoring. Lloyd again added the extras.
The home side were reduced to fourteen men on the hour mark when referee Evans sent the Ravens second row James Richards to the sin bin.
The Steelmen immediately gained from the numerical advantage when from the lineout, the visitors forwards again set up a driving maul which finished with replacement hooker Joe Franchi diving over the line. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.
Within five minutes, Ebbw scored their bonus point try. Hooker Franchi once again benefited from the driving maul by finishing off the move to score. Lloyd sent the ball through the middle of the sticks.
With just more than ten minutes left, Ebbw Vale were reduced to fourteen men. Second row Dylan Bartlett was sent to spend ten minutes in the sin bin by referee Evans.
The hosts soon scored their first try of the game. Replacement scrum half Harvey Nash scored the try. Fellow replacement Luke Price added the extras.
Bridgend’s second try of the game came with three minutes left through replacement Corey Lewis. Price successfully kicked the conversion to reduce the deficit to fourteen points.
With the game going into the final moments, referee Evans awarded Ebbw Vale a penalty. Replacement Dorian Jones successfully added the three points to extend Ebbw Vale’s lead to seventeen points and claim maximum bonus points.
Full Time: Bridgend Ravens 17 Ebbw Vale RFC 34
Try scorers: Dafydd Thomas (1), Ieuan Morris (1), Joe Franchi (2)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (4)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (1), Dorian Jones (1)
Ebbw Vale’s next game is the first of a double header against Cardiff RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 27th September 2025, with kick off at 14:30.
Everyone at the club would like to thank Ewan McIntyre for his efforts and wishes him good luck as he leaves for the RAF. Good luck Ewan, hope to see you soon.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe
Match Day Squad
In the second game of Super Rygbi Cymru 2, the Steelmen travel to The Dunraven Brewery Field to face the Bridgend Ravens.
Both teams opened the season with a win in week 1 with Bridgend beating Carmarthen Quins (27 – 24) and Ebbw Vale beating Aberavon RFC (36 – 17). Last season, the Steelmen beat the Ravens 34 -18 at the Brewery Field.
Jason Strange makes 3 changes to the squad with Dylan Edwards and Carter Pritchard coming into the team for their debuts. Ieuan Morris starts at hooker with Dom Franchi named as captain.
The full Ebbw Vale squad is as follows:
15 Dylan Edwards 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi (c) 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Joe Rees-Weldon 8 Owen Conquer
REPLACEMENTS
16 Joe Franchi 17 Adam Court 18 Morgan Bosanko 19 Ewan McIntyre 20 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 21 Carter Pritchard 22 Dorian Jones 23 Cameron Davies
Match Information
Bridgend Ravens v Ebbw Vale RFC
Saturday 20th September
The Dunraven Brewery Field
2.30pm
General Admission for Saturday’s game is priced at £14 Adults, £12 Concessions and u16s free.
Ebbw Addicts Travel
The Addicts will be providing transport to the game.
They will be leaving the Welfare at 12.30pm and returning from Bridgend at 5.30pm. There are still a few seats left on the bus for anyone wishing to travel to the game.
#FeelTheSteel
Five Try Ebbw
The Steelmen took maximum points from their first game of the season, in a game that was played in mixed weather conditions.
The home side came out of the blocks quickly. Within minutes of the game starting, the hosts scored an excellent try through full back Morgan Richards. Number ten Evan Lloyd added the extras.
The visitors hit straight back and scored a well taken try of their own through Felix Gilbert. Outside half Keillen Cullen successfully kicked the conversion to level the scores.
The Wizards took the lead for the first time during the game when referee Ben Whitehouse awarded the away side a penalty, which Cullen sent through the uprights.
Moments later, Ebbw’s fly half Lloyd again levelled the scores at ten all after converting a penalty from in front of the posts.
The Steelmen’s coach Jason Strange was forced into a change when Ebbw captain Joe Franchi was unable to continue and was replaced by hooker Ieuan Morris.
The home side retook the lead, when from a quick back’s move, fullback Richards burst through a gap in the Aberavon defence. With just the covering defender to beat, Richards drew his man and passed to winger Ewan Bowden, who showed his pace to go over in the corner unopposed. Lloyd again added the extras.
The home side fullback Morgan Richards was replaced straight afterwards by the returning Dorian Jones and injuring himself during the move.
On the stroke of half time the hosts extended their lead further. After applying the pressure, quick ball out to fly half Lloyd down the blindside, saw the number ten release the pass to winger Dafydd Thomas, who used his strength to power over in the corner. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion from the touchline.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 22 Aberavon RFC 10
With both teams having to deal with the terrible weather conditions, Ebbw Vale coach Strange replaced prop Luke Garrett with debutant Morgan Bosanko.
The home side secured a try bonus point, when after applying pressure, second row Curtis Gregory used his power to dive over the try line, despite the attempts of the Aberavon tacklers. Lloyd sent the kick through the posts.
Within minutes of each other Jason Strange made a raft of changes. Adam Court, Alfred Bateman-Lloyd, Ewan McIntyre, Cameron Davies and Dan Buffery came on for Adam Williams, Curtis Gregory, Jack Pope, Evan Lloyd and Rory Harries.
The Steelmen’s fifth and final try came when referee Ben Whitehouse went under the posts to award a penalty try after the Aberavon number eight Ashton Evans was adjudged to have stopped a powerful Ebbw maul illegally on the line. Referee Whitehouse showed Evans the yellow card to spend ten minutes in the sin bin.
With the game ending, the away side scored their second try of the game when fly half Charlie Thomas went over the try line. Thomas kicked the conversion to bring the game to a close.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 36 Aberavon RFC 17
Tries: Morgan Richards (1), Ewan Bowden (1), Dafydd Thomas (1), Curtis Gregory (1), Penalty try (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)
Penalty: Evan Lloyd (1)
Man of the match: Ewan Bowden
After the game we spoke with player / coach Dorian Jones. Dorian was happy with the result for the team. He thought it was really needed after pre-season, to gage where the squad was. He believes the squad is in a good position. Dorian paid tribute to Aberavon by acknowledging it was a hard-fought game and thought they started the game well, which tested the home side. He believed the side responded well, come together, dug deep and got a hard fought but well deserved six points from the game.
Discussing his return to the club, Dorian was overjoyed to return and see the familiar faces in and around the club that make it so special. He said it was great to get back out onto the Ciner Glass Community Stadium pitch, especially as he had come through the ranks, from the under eight-year-olds up to the senior squad. Dorian was really enjoying his return and was looking forward to the remainder of the season.
Finally, discussing the difference between being at the club originally and returning. Dorian said when he first started playing senior rugby at Ebbw at the age of seventeen the club used to have experienced players such as Ross Jones and Damien Hudd. He continued by staying he was now one of the more experienced players amongst the current squad and was looking forward to helping the younger squad members come through. Dorian finished by advising he was lucky to be able to transition from playing into coaching and was grateful for the opportunity to start his coaching career at Ebbw.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe
Match Day Squad
The Steelmen return to action in the first round of Super Rygbi Cymru Season 2 with a fixture against Aberavon RFC at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium. The match will also see the Steelmen defend the SRC Challengers Shield for the first time this season. Last season, honours were even in the league between the two sides with Ebbw Vale winning at home and Aberavon beating the Steelmen at TAG.
Jason Strange’s first match day squad of the season features a mix of youth and experience with 4 players in the squad coming through the player pathway with Christ College, Brecon. There is a debut for Joe Rees-Weldon at 7 while Dafydd Thomas makes his first appearance on the wing. Morgan Bosanko will be looking to make his debut from the bench. Player/Coach Dorian Jones will also be looking to make his return to Ebbw Vale colours.
The full Ebbw Vale squad is as follows:
15 Morgan Richards 14 Dafydd Thomas 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (c) 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Joe Rees-Weldon 8 Owen Conquer
REPLACEMENTS
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Morgan Bosanko 18 Adam Court 19 Ewan McIntyre 20 Alfred Bateman Lloyd 21 Dan Buffery 22 Dorian Jones 23 Cameron Davies
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC
CiNER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick Off 2.30pm
Admission Prices
FULL: £15
CONCESSION: £10
Match Day Tickets can be purchased at the following link: Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC
The Steelmen are delighted to announce the signing of full back Morgan Rees from Queensland Reds.
Morgan, who previously played for South Gower Youth, played a number of times against the Steelmen for Swansea RFC as a teenager before moving to Australia.
Morgan played for the University of Queensland while with the Queensland Academy and was called up by Queensland several times for Super Rugby including being part of the British Lions preparations with Queensland.
Despite being asked to further his career in Australia , Morgan has decided to return to Wales and will be a Steelmen in 2025/26
Welcome home, Morgan!
Welcome to Ebbw Vale RFC…
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of Mitch Rankine from Brynmawr RFC.
Mitch played his first year of Youth rugby at Abertillery Youth before moving to Brynmawr RFC where he has played for the last 7 seasons.
Mitch moves back to his hometown club for the 2025/26 season.
Welcome to the Steelmen!
#FeelTheSteel
We are delighted to announce that season tickets for the upcoming 2025/2026 Super Rygbi Cymru season will be available for collection starting from Tuesday, 2nd September.
Supporters who have purchased their season tickets can collect them from the Ebbw Vale RFC Club at Eugene Cross Park. Collection will be available on the following days and times, with further dates to be confirmed:
- Tuesday, 2nd September: from 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, 3rd September: from 6:00 PM
We welcome our new ticketing partner, TicketCo, to the club. This partnership will provide our fans with a streamlined and modern ticketing experience, from purchase to matchday entry, utilising their flexible and fan-focused platform. We are excited to work with a partner that will help us improve our match day operations and enhance the experience for all our supporters.
We would also like to inform supporters that while some may have received a digital season ticket, this is not a valid form of entry. You must collect the physical season ticket card from us to guarantee your entry.
We strongly encourage all supporters to pick up their tickets before the first game of the season against Aberavon on Saturday, 13th September.
The club is grateful for the unwavering support of its fans, who are the lifeblood of the organisation. With the new season tickets now ready, the club is looking forward to another great campaign and a fantastic atmosphere created by the fans.
A season ticket provides entry to all Ebbw Vale RFC home league matches. Supporters who have not yet purchased their tickets can still do so by visiting the club office during the specified collection hours.
Contact Mark at companysecretary@evrfc.co.uk if you have any questions.
The Future, The Present, The Family
This week, the Steelmen family came together for our annual One Club Training Session – uniting every age group and team across Ebbw Vale RFC.
From mini to juniors, seniors, women’s and mixed ability teams, players all trained side by side in fun, fast paced drills and games led by our senior squad and coaches.
We are proud to be the only SRC club with teams from Under 8s all the way through to U18s, as well as being the home of the Jesters girls, Women’s squad and mixed ability team – all under one badge, one club, one family.
Jason Strange summed it up perfectly, “It was one of the most pleasing nights of the year. It brings everyone together, celebrates the whole club, and shows the commitment to developing players through our pathway – to the Steelmen and to our wider rugby community.”
Good luck to every team in the Steelmen family for the new season – we’re all in this together!
#OneClub #SteelmenFamily
The Steelmen are delighted to announce the signing of prop Jayden Meade.
Jayden, a product of Aberdare RFC, came through the Cardiff Rugby pathway playing for both the U16s and U18s while with the academy and has most recently been playing for Hartpury College.
Jayden joins the Steelmen for the 2025/26 season.
Welcome, Jayden!
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of Charlie Manship from Cardiff RFC.
Charlie, who came through the Cardiff rugby pathway, played his mini and junior rugby with Pontypridd RFC.
Charlie attended Hartpury College where he also featured regularly for Bristol Bears U18s in 2023/24.
After a season at Cardiff RFC. Charlie makes the move to join the Steelmen.
Welcome to Ebbw Vale RFC!
Kit Launch
Following the recent announcement of the new partnership with kit supplier, O’Neills Sportswear. the Steelmen are delighted to launch their new home and away kits for 2025/26.
The designs will see the Steelmen play in their traditional red, white and green at home with the alternate away kit being purple and pink.
More information of when replica shirts will be able to be purchased will be available shortly.
#FeelTheSteel
Halton Wales Joins Ebbw Vale RFC as Proud Sponsor
The Steelmen are delighted to announce a new partnership with Halton Wales which will see the company’s logo displayed on all team shirts from seniors to the youngest mini and juniors at the club.
Lucy Newman, strategic Unit Director at Halton Wales commented
“Halton Wales is proud to sponsor Ebbw Vale Rugby Club — supporting the Steelmen, the Ladies team, and the rising stars in the Youth squads.
This partnership reflects Halton’s ongoing commitment to community, inclusion, and wellbeing. In particular, supporting the wellbeing of young people is a vital priority, encouraging confidence, resilience, and lifelong connection through sport.
“We’re proud to back a club that shares our values of teamwork, respect, and opportunity for all.
Together, we’re building a future rooted in pride, partnership, and the power of sport to shape lives across the Valleys.”
The Steelmen are delighted to welcome Halton to the town and to partner with a company that has a shared commitment to community values, wellbeing, and sport’s positive impact on youth and the local area.
#FeelTheSteel
Eugene Cross Park Development – Questionnaire
You may or may not be aware of plans to develop Eugene Cross Park, a plan that will bring world class facilities to Ebbw Vale.
As part of the development initiative we would like to engage with the community to collect and listen to your feedback which will help us pull together the final plan.
The borough of Blaenau Gwent is in desperate need of 21st century sporting, leisure and entertainment facilities and our ambitious plan allows us to do this.
Please have your say.
The views of the people of Ebbw Vale are important to us, so if you could spare 5 minutes, please click on the link below and fill out the questionnaire.
We would be very grateful. Many thanks for your time.
Click on the line below to complete the questionnaire.
Eugene Cross Park (Page 1 of 2)
#FeelTheSteel
Exciting News, Steelmen Fans!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new official Ebbw Vale RFC club shop, in partnership with O’Neills!
Soon, you’ll be able to get your hands on all the latest Ebbw Vale RFC gear, showing your support for the Steelmen wherever you go.
Your shop will be listed online shortly!
You’ll be able to access our new shop directly by clicking “Shop” from our website menu, or by visiting oneills.com and navigating to the “Clubs & Education” section, then selecting “Ebbw Vale RFC.”
To make it even easier, we’ve created a handy graphic that details precisely how to find our shop on the O’Neills website. We’ll be pinning this graphic, along with the direct shop link, to the top of our Facebook page for quick and easy access!
Direct Shop Link: https://www.oneills.com/uk_en/shop-by-team/rugby/rugby-union/ebbw-vale-rfc.html
Get ready to show your colours and support Ebbw Vale RFC in style!
#Steelmen #EbbwValeRFC #O’Neills #ClubShop #NewKit
Morgan Williams Signs with the Steelmen
The Steelmen are delighted to announce the signing of front row forward Morgan Williams from the Dragons Academy.
Morgan, who has been part of the Steelmen squad for the past 2 seasons, played in the SRC Playoff Final for the Steelmen in May.
Morgan played 11 times for Ebbw Vale RFC in 2024/25
Morgan has now joined the Steelmen on a full time basis.
#FeelTheSteel
Steelmen Announce Coaching Setup for 2025/26
Head coach, Jason Strange, has announced his coaching and management team for 2025/26.
Aaron Coundley will continue as assistant coach with Ieuan Probert also continuing in his role as team analyst and assistant coach.
Dorian Jones has joined the coaching setup with a focus on skills while Jon Evans will also be part of the coaching team with a focus on strength and conditioning while he continues his recovery from injury.
The Team Manager’ role will be shared by Dilwyn Snelgrove and Andrew Phillips who will also carry on with his team comms duties.
Imogen McClelland will be the new Head Physio for 2025/26 and will be assisted by Gemma Hill. Rhys Thomas will continue as club doctor.
Ron Taylor will continue as kit manager.
Ashley Margetson will continue to be team support on training and match days.
#FeelTheSteel
