Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Statement from Lee Davies
It is with great regret that I announce that Ben and I have decided to step down from our roles as coaches at Ebbw Vale RFC. This wasn’t a decision we took lightly, however when we weighed up our options we felt the club and players weren’t moving forward under our guidance. It took honesty from players and staff to identify this and we thank everyone for their honesty.
As a group we have felt a substantial amount of pain over the past three months, and we feel we have exhausted many avenues aiming to move us forward as a coaching and playing group. To prepare for a Saturday game takes hours of analysis, planning and delivering. So I thank all for their input.
With both of us heading up rugby programmes in successful college and university academies, we have decided to take some time out and concentrate on these pathways. This will also give us time to reflect and learn from the experience and spend some much needed time with our young families.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club for their support and efforts over the past 18 months. The club is evidently in a huge transitional process and I urge everyone to be patient; it will take time and I am sure former glory will be restored.
Finally on a personal level I will always hold the club in a fond place, having spent time there as a player and now granted a shorter period than planned as a coach.
Those who have supported us, once again thank you. Best of luck for the rest of the season, and more importantly next season when it counts!
Chairman Jon Jones has added the following
It is with a heavy heart that I have agreed this course of action with Lee and Ben as the best for the club and them as individuals. They are men of integrity and honesty and are also extremely hard working and passionate in what they do. Both are quality young coaches and I am sure that they will learn from the experience and go on to success in the future careers. Both Lee and Ben will always be welcome at the club and I look forward to seeing them do well in the future.
I personally will reflect on what all at the club and particularly I could have done to prevent this end result and work hard to ensure we learn from it and come back stronger and better equipped to return the club to the position we all desire
The club has begun its search for a new coaching set up and will update you all as we move forward.
EVRFC Update 16/11/17
SURVEY – The review that will provide recommendations on the future of Premiership rugby is well underway with proposals for consideration expected before Christmas. The survey is our/your chance to influence this and we urge everyone to take the time to complete it.
We were among the clubs highlighted for the positive engagement of supporters and players in the survey process at the Premier Division Clubs meeting (14/11/17), reflecting the passion we have at EVRFC.
It was mentioned there were a significant proportion of ‘incomplete’ surveys received (across all responses, not specifically EVRFC) so if you need to complete another one, please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WRUClubSurvey
‘A’LICENCE – It’s worth recognising another successful ‘A licence’ accreditation for EVRFC. This doesn’t happen automatically and involves a lot of work by back room staff and volunteers, in particular Alan Gall. (Big thanks to Al!)
CARDIFF – The following week we play Cardiff at home, this will be on the Sat (25/11/17) with a 12 noon ko.
MERTHYR – Our game at Merthyr will now kick off at 7:15pm on Friday 01/12/17.
The Addicts will be taking orders for EVRFC merchandise for Christmas as stock is limited. Children’s shirts start at size 26 inches and go up in 2 inch sizes. They will start taking orders from Saturday at the home game against Bargoed.
Please note the following fixture changes:
Ebbw Vale v Cross Keys, Friday November 10th, 7:15 ko.
Newport v Ebbw Vale, Sunday November 19th, 2:30 ko.
Here is the latest news concerning departures from and arrivals to the Ebbw Vale squad, courtesy of Jonathan Jones.
Squad Update
The following players have left the club in the last few weeks.
Gavin Bilton has been released following a lack of attendance at training that struggled to hit the 20% mark and did not allow him to gain the necessary fitness to play at Premiership level.
Andrew Mann has decided to take a year off rugby for personal reasons but we hope to see him again in the future having made a good impression in pre season.
Josh Jacas has rejoined the club and has accepted the strict regime put in place by the coaches that all are sure will allow him to display his undoubted talent for the Steelmen in the season to come. Josh had sustained an ankle injury at the end of last season and will be ready for selection for the next game, with a late decision ruling him out last weekend
Academy Allocation
The club can confirm that Jared Rosser, Will Talbot-Davies and Max Williams will again be allocated to Ebbw Vale for this season. We have not yet seen Jared and Max in Ebbw colours as they have made an early impression on new Dragons Head Coach Bernard Jackman.
They will be joined by new faces Tom Hoppe, an 18 year old centre who impressed in the Plate 7’s victory squad an the end of the summer, and was with Wales U18’s in South Africa during late summer. The second new face is 18 year old scrum half Dan Babos who is tipped for a big future but, unfortunately, has a hamstring injury at the moment.
Ebbw Fawr product Dawid Rubasniak, who made a good impression in several appearances last season, will play his rugby at Cardiff Met this season in order to gain more game time.
Injury Update
Elis Wyn Benham is very close to putting on the Steelmen shirt after working diligently with Rhys Shorney to overcome an ongoing hamstring strain. He is expected to be available for selection within weeks.
With that good news comes the bad news that prop Dean Brooker has likely sustained an ACL injury which, if confirmed, will rule him out for the season.
The club continues to look at options for filling the gaps that the early changes have produced in the squad.
Our fantastic club doctor, Rhys Thomas, has just completed The Barcelona Ironman, consisting of 1.5 hours swimming, 180 km cycling and, for good measure, a Marathon run to finish. His total time was a staggering 12hr 26min.
Congratulations from everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC.
After Saturday’s home fixture with Merthyr, there’ll be an opportunity for supporters to meet the players and coaches at a Q&A session in the Scrum Bar, starting at 5:30.
Also, there will be a past players’ reunion for veterans of the 1980s, organised by former outside half/full back Gary Lawrence.
TVR are pleased to announce that they are extending their sponsorship of Ebbw Vale RFC for a second season as primary sponsor.
Just last week the public launch of the new TVR model was held at the Goodwood Revival, where the car was unveiled for the first time to the press and public to great acclaim.
Commenting on the news, John Chasey, Operations Director said, “It is our pleasure to continue our sponsorship of Ebbw Vale RFC for a second year and we wish them well in the season ahead.”
Steelmen Chairman, Jon Jones is delighted at the continued sponsorship of such a prestigious brand and what will shortly become an anchor employer in Ebbw Vale.
More details on the new TVR model which will be built in Ebbw Vale can be found on www.tvr.co.uk
“We are saddened to hear that Ebbw Vale supporter Colin Herridge passed away last week from the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident a couple of days earlier. Colin was a popular ‘Addict’ and Steelmen supporter who will be very much missed by all of us. We send our condolences to his family.”
The funeral is 10am Friday 22nd at St. David’s Church, Carmeltown, Beaufort, returning to the Welfare, EVRFC, afterwards.
Ian James
Ebbw Vale RFC – Hon. Secretary
You can buy / collect season tickets this Thursday, August 31st, between 6 and 7pm from the clubhouse. Please remember we can’t take card payments so it’s cash, cheques or standing orders only. When the tickets are collected, those people with an existing standing order will receive a form to enable them to alter it to the new amount. Anyone wanting to create a new standing order can download the form from the season tickets page, or collect the form when the ticket is purchased.
We will be looking for mascots for all games during the 2017/18 season.
If you have a child who would be interested in walking out as mascot with the Ebbw Vale team on match day, please send an email to:
with your name, child’s name and contact details.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
We’ve recently launched a weekly lottery to raise funds for our club. The weekly draw will be held every Saturday. Your support will raise much needed financial support to grow our club.
The lottery will be run by the Ebbw Addicts and will help support Ebbw Vale RFC and the wider community.
Be in with a chance of winning the weekly jackpot.
Prizes up for grabs every Saturday
Match 6 numbers – win £25,000
Match 5 numbers – win £1,000
Match 4 numbers – win £100
Match 3 numbers – win £10
Second Chance Super Draw
If you are a regular player you’ll be entered into our Super Draw each month. Match 6 numbers to win £25,000 for you AND £25,000 for our club.
Monthly Bonus Draw
Every month you will also be entered into a Bonus Draw to win a special bonus prize including an indulgent short break for two in a choice of UK locations.
To play, follow these simple instructions;
1. Visit https://www.i-giv.org/ebbw-addicts/
2. Click on the PLAY NOW button
3. Enter how many tickets you would like to play each week in the entries box
4. Fill in the payment form.
5. You will receive a email confirmation with your lottery ticket and number/s
The more people we sign up, the more our club benefits.
Ebbw Vale will now play their first home league game of the new season, against Pontypridd, on Friday, September 1st kicking off at 7:30pm, rather than the original date of Saturday, September 2nd. This is to avoid a clash with Ebbw Vale Cricket Club.
We were all saddened by the news that Ray Knott, an outstanding centre three-quarter for Ebbw Vale in the 1950s and 60s, has passed away. We send our deepest sympathies to Ray’s family.
Roy Lewis recalls tha, in February 1957, a combined Ebbw Vale and Newbridge side played and defeated the South African Universities and, representing Newbridge, Ray partnered our Graham Powell in the centre. Not long after that he joined us and was a reserve in the conbined Ebbw Vale and Abertillery team that played the Springboks at Ebbw on 29th November 1960. On both occasions he was described in the programmes as a colliery worker.
The funeral service is at Newbridge Catholic Church, Ashfield Road, Newbridge on Friday 25 August at 11.15. Service at Croesyceiliog Crematorium is at 1230.
Several law changes come into effect in the northern hemisphere from August 1st.
- Law 20.5 and 20.6 (d) Throwing the ball into the scrumNo signal from Referee. The scrum half must throw the ball in straight, but is allowed to align his shoulder on the middle line of the scrum, therefore allowing him to stand a shoulder width towards his side of the middle line.
- Law 20.9 (b) Handling in the scrum – exceptionAllow the No 8 to pick the ball from the feet of the 2nd Rows.
- Law 20 Striking after the throw-inOnce the ball touches the ground in the tunnel, any front row player may use either foot to try to win possession of the ball. One player from the team who put the ball in must strike for the ball. Sanction: Free Kick
- Amended Law 15.4 (c)The tackler must get up before playing the ball and then can only play from his side of the tackle gate.
- Law16:Breakdown Amended Ruck LawA ruck commences when at least one player is on their feet and over the ball which is on the ground (tackled player, tackler). At this point the offside line is created. A player on his feet may use his hands to pick up the ball as long as this is immediate. As soon as an opposition player arrives no hands can be used.
- Law 16.4: Other Ruck OffencesA player must not kick the ball out of a ruck. The player can only hook it in a backwards motion. Sanction: Penalty Kick
You can download a copy for yourself here. 170712 CL EXCO Decision – LRG EN
It was agreed at the AGM that season ticket prices would rise with effect from season 2017-18 which starts on the weekend of 26th August. The prices will be:
Junior £15 (no change)
Concession £70 or £ 6.50 monthly standing order
Adult £125 or £11.00 monthly standing order
Vice president £250 or £22.00 monthly standing order
Gold vice president £440 or £38.00 monthly standing order
Platinum Vice president £1,000 (no change)
Gate admission will be £12 (£8 concessions).
When membership is bought shares will be issued as follows :-
Concession 10
Adult season 20
VP 145
Gold VP 335
When the tickets are collected those people with existing standing orders will receive a form to enable them to alter it to the new amount. Anyone wanting to create a new standing order can download the form from the website or collect the form when the ticket is purchased.
Visit the season tickets page for more information and ways to pay.
It is with a degree of symmetry that the choice of Head Coach Lee Davies to lead the Steelmen in the new season is entering his seventh season at the club following the record seven years as captain of the departed Damian Hudd.
The immensely popular Ronny Kynes will lead the Steelmen into a new era and will bring to the role his hugely competitive nature, that has been so prominent in the rise of the club since its relegation in 2010. Ronny is the epitome of what the club is about; displaying talent, hard work and pride in the badge that has driven him to go above and beyond the call of duty. Not many people will know that Ronny played the last 6 games of the Premiership Champions’ season with a broken jaw, displaying true steel for the cause. Having recently reached 150 games for the club, and with his scoring exploits leading to the now famous “Catch’n’Kynes” attracting the attention of the rugby press in Wales (although it was actually coined, erhem, by our webmaster), Ronny is looking forward to taking the Steelmen back to the top of the table through leading by example and driving standards off the field, where he has always had a huge influence on the squad, coaches and club officials.
Ronny said that following in the footsteps not only of Damien Hudd, but also Mark Jones, Kingsley Jones, Gareth Howls and Arthur Lewis was ‘awesome’. “This is a very proud moment for me and my family. I just hope I can be even half as successful as Huddy, and I wish him all the best for his new role with Brynmawr. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of captaincy, and the up-coming season with the boys.”
New skipper – Ronny Kynes
Ebbw Vale RFC are pleased to support the charity Shine Cymru this coming season.
Kate Steele, Shine’s CEO said, “I am thrilled that Ebbw Vale RFC has chosen to support Shine Cymru this year. Working at grass roots level to build the community and develop opportunities through rugby is key to what the Club does. In many ways this reflects the approach and work that Shine Cymru does through providing support, information and advice across our community of individuals with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and their families in Wales. The partnership will provide important links and much needed funds to further our work in Blaenau Gwent.”
Shine provides specialist support from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional care staff. Shine enables people to get the best out of life.
https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/
Paul ‘Wally’ Walbyoff, a 30 year long supporter this season, and his family have found the support of Shine invaluable. Paul and Liz’s daughter was diagnosed a year ago with Spina Bifida and along with medical help and guidance they’ve also appreciated the opportunity to network with other affected families. Fuller details of EVRFC supported events will be published in due course but in the meantime Paul and his family are raising money this coming weekend with a sponsored walk. Please follow this link for more information and to donate if you are able: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lizl-walbyoff
Awaiting update – Season tickets announcement soon.
As part of the squad’s preparation for the Principality Premiership season that begins on August 26th, Ebbw Vale are pleased to announce that they will play three pre-season friendly fixtures. The first sees a repeat of last summer when the Steelmen make the short trip to take on the Foxes of Bedlinog, on August 5th.
The following Saturday, August 12th, the journey will be a lot longer, when Ebbw visit Chinnor RFC, based in Thame, Oxfordshire. Chinnor play in English National League 2 South, and missed out on promotion on points difference last season.
The 19th sees Ebbw meet up with old friends at one of Wales’ greatest clubs, Maesteg RFC, featuring surely the most spectacular away journy of all! The Old Parish currently play in Division One West Central and will be keen to give the Steelmen a tough afternoon.
The Annual General Meetings of both the rugby club and Steelmen Rugby Limited will be held in the clubhouse on 11th July at 7pm. Please come along to support this.
If you have items for the agenda please send them, by email, to companysecretary@evrfc.co.uk before 6th July.
The agenda will be published 7th July.
The WRU Board has confirmed changes to the Principality Premiership for the next two seasons in order to meet the changing needs of the clubs.
In the first half of the season, the 16-team semi-professional league will be split geographically into two east and west eight-team leagues, with the clubs playing each other home and away. The clubs will be split into east and west Wales leagues with RGC 1404 joining the west Wales league. This will guarantee more meaningful local derbies up to the New Year before all teams come together for the second half of the season.
Each club will then play the other 15 teams either home or away. At the split, points will be allocated to clubs based on league positions so the winners of the east and west leagues will go into the second half of the season with eight points, the clubs in second place will carry seven points into the 16-team league down to the eighth placed clubs who will carry one point, this will ensure all clubs remain in the race to be crowned Premier Division Winners. Every club will have a guaranteed 29 league matches during the season. Principality Premiership clubs will continue to work with the Regions to select Regional Premiership Select XVs for the British & Irish Cup, while the Foster’s Challenge Cup will not take place.
Following an extensive consultation process with the Principality Premiership clubs, the changes have been made in order to help support the clubs from a rugby, financial and supporters’ experience perspective and to fit into the national and regional pathway programme. There will be no play-offs, with the table-topping club at the end of the season crowned Principality Premiership champion in a straight-forward league system.
Ebbw Vale’s fixtures can be found on the fixtures and results page.
A very enjoyable dinner was held on Friday night to mark the end of the 2016-17 season and to present the various awards. Joe Franchi’s excellent season was recognised by the supporters and his teammates as he scooped the Denzil Williams Players’ Player of the Year and Ebbw Addicts’ Player of the Year. Jon Davies, who joined from Ynysddu RFC mid-season, took the Addicts’ Most Promising Player prize.
Rhys Clarke was named as the Clive Burgess Man of Steel, and he and Chris Thomas received caps to mark 100 appearances since joining from Penallta RFC.
The Addicts chose Damien Hudd as their Ivor Evans Clubman of the Year, and he also received the Gareth Howls Captain’s Award. He and Gethin Robinson, who retired at the end of the campaign, were recipients of Special Awards.
Volunteer of the Year was club pastor the Reverend Geoff Waggett, an ever present figure over many seasons.
the irrepressible Ronny Kynes again bagged the Try Scorer award and Bath bound Josh Lewis was Highest Points Scorer.
Many congratulations to all the winners, and to the volunteers and Welfare staff who worked so hard to make the evening such a success.
(Photographs will be added later.)
EVRFC Dinner and Presentation Evening
Friday 16th June
Meet 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
(smart casual wear)
Outstanding money must be paid before event. The Addicts will be at the club from 6.00pm until 8.30pm on Thursday evening to collect outstanding payment.