Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Wales have been forced to make a late change to their squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship which kicks off in Manchester next Tuesday with an eagerly awaited clash against Ireland.
A hamstring injury sustained in training by winger George Gasson has ruled him out of the tournament. He is replaced by Ebbw Vale teenager Jared Rosser.
The talented Rosser made his debut for the Steelmen as a then 17-year-old this season. He scored the decisive try in their Principality Premiership Play-off semi-final victory against Llandovery and also went on to be a member of the victorious Ebbw Vale side which swept aside Pontypridd in the Premiership final at Sardis Road.
Wales U20 team manager Mark Taylor, said: “It’s obviously disappointing to lose a player of George’s ability so close to the tournament but Jared is now given an opportunity and his selection is reward after a fine season with Ebbw Vale.”
Wales take on Ireland, Georgia and New Zealand in Pool A of the global tournament, with Six Nations opponents Ireland first up at the Manchester City Academy Stadium (5.30).
An Ebbw Vale spokesman added: “All at the club are delighted for Jared, it is a major achievement to make the U20’s World Cup for someone who has only recently turned 18.
“It is reward for the hard work he has put in and the coaches at Ebbw Vale have been delighted with his progress on the field and his attitude and behaviour off it. This is a credit to himself, his family and the Dragons Academy.”
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to see that the excellent work of the Steelmen’s forwards coach has been recognised with his appointment as forwards coach at the Dragons
Chairman Jonathan Jones was keen to praise the work of Ceri during his 18 months at Eugene Cross Park, culminating in recently winning the Principality Premiership, stating, “The professionalism and expertise brought with him has been a key part of our continued development over the recent seasons making our forwards the most feared in the semi professional game in Wales. As befits his farming background Ceri’s appetite for hard work at the club has been immense as he combined his role with a demanding Acadeny position at Worcester warriors RFC. Ceri’s appointment has been made in full consultation with Ebbw Vale and we are sure that he, a man steeped in Gwent rugby through his own playing career and his father’s who starred for both Ebbw Vale and Newport will go on to be a success in his new role adding ‘steel’ to the region’s forward platform. We thank him for his contribution to our success and look forward to working with him in his new role in the coming seasons.”
Jones also noted that following the signing of Carl Meyer last season from the Steelmen, the movement of a coach to the regions shows that the pathway exists both on and off the field, this fitting perfectly with the strategic intent of the Principality Premiership
Ebbw Vale RFC have in the last few years seen coaches gain positions in Regions and in the Welsh Age Grade coaching structure and will look to appoint a replacement in the coming weeks. Jones said, “Having seen Jason Strange, Geraint Lewis and Duane Goodfield move up the coaching ladder, it would be fair to say that the club has become the pre-eminent coach academy in Wales. The search for replacement coaches is one that we are well versed in, and Nigel Davies and I will look to ensure that we once again bring in the correct person to continue the development of the club.”
It was a great night for Ebbw Vale RFC at the Principality Premiership Awards on Monday.
Ronny Kynes was announced as ‘Top Try Scorer’ with an amazing 19 touchdowns.
Ryan Gardner won the ‘Try of the Season’ vote for his scintillating finish against Cross Keys.
Damien Hudd, our own Captain Fantastic, was voted Player of the Year.
Ebbw Vale RFC held their annual Club Dinner and Awards Evening at Eugene Cross Park on Friday 20th May. In front of a sold out crowd, the club celebrated winning the Principality Premiership for the first time and also presented their annual club awards.
Winners for 2015/16 were:
Clive Burgess Man of Steel David Williams
Denzil Williams Players’ Player of the Year Rhys Clarke
Ebbw Addicts Player of the Year Ronny Kynes
Ebbw Addicts Most Promising Player Chris Levesley
Ivor Evans Clubman of the Year Damien Hudd
Gareth Howls Captain’s Award Damien Hudd
Ebbw Addicts Volunteer of the Year Angharad Simpson
Top Try Scorer Ronny Kynes
Top Points Scorer Ronny Kynes
For the first time in the clubs history, the club awarded caps for players who had played 100 games for the club. Players receiving caps were:
Ashley Sweet, Damien Hudd, Cameron Regan, Ross Jones, Rob Sevenoaks, Mathew Williams, Dan Haymond and Ronny Kynes
The club were also presented with a Wales U20s shirt from Harrison Keddie following the successful Grand Slam season for the Wales U20s squad.
Members of the 100 club wearing their caps.
David Williams was the Clive Burgess ‘Man of Steel’. Nigel just had 2 good ideas!
Ronny Kynes was voted Addicts’ Player of the Year and was also top try and points scorer.
Rhys Clarke received the coveted Players’ Player Award.
Chris Levesley: the EV Addicts’ Most Promising Player.
Damien Hudd won the Gareth Howls Captain’s Award and the Ivor Evans Clubman of the Year Award.
Just in case you missed it, or want to watch it all over again, the WRU have conveniently put together the highlights consisting of Ebbw’s five tries and one of Ponty’s, plus an interview with MoM Ronny Kynes. You can find it here accompanied by Rick O’Shea’s slightly dodgy commentary – but at least he’s got the scoring system sorted this week!
The Steelmen make just one change to the matchday 23 for Sunday’s Principality Premiership Grand Final against Pontypridd at Sardis Road. Harrison Keddie comes in on the bench.
The squad is:
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Jared Rosser; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Cameron Regan.
Bench: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Rob Sevenoaks, Josh Jacas, Luke Crocker, Tom Edwards, Iain Smerdon, Harrison Keddie.
There’s a definite look of familiarity to the Steelmen’s match day 23 for Sunday afternoon’s play-off semi-final at Llandovery (2:30 ko).
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Jared Rosser; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Cameron Regan.
Bench: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Rob Sevenoaks, Josh Jacas, Luke Crocker, Tom Edwards, Iain Smerdon, Ryan Gardner.
The winners will travel to Pontypridd the following Sunday for the Premiership Grand Final. Head Coach Nigel Davies said, “”Getting to the play-offs is great and the boys have put a huge effort into the second half of the season and it’s the run of ten consecutive wins that’s allowed us the opportunity. We know we are going to have to be right on top of our game to beat Llandovery, but we have beaten them once already this season.”
Ronny Kynes has been named as the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Association’s “Premiership Player of the Year” for 2015-16. Beating off fierce competition from 12 other Premiership regulars, Ronny took the top prize, ahead of Llandovery’s Rhodri Davies. Everyone associated with Ebbw Vale RFC send warmest congratulations to the only current player in Wales to have a move named after him!
Ronny will receive his award at the 42nd annual dinner of the Welsh Rugby Writers, at Cardiff RFC on Thursday, September 1. He’ll be in the company of another back row forward with strong links to Eugene Cross Park, as Taulupe Faletau will be presented with the award for Welsh Player of the Year.
Hot on the heels of the above announcement comes the news that Ronny has also been named as Principality Premiership Player of the Month for April.
Ronny, a cult hero at Eugene Cross Park for his energy, work-rate all around the park and ‘Catch and Kynes’ move, has been turning heads all season, and particularly since the New Year. His performances in March helped Ebbw clinch three out of three league wins, and with two more wins in April they grabbed the third place position. Ronny puts the Steelmen’s consistency down to the togetherness in the squad built up over the last five or six years.
“There’s a brilliant environment at Ebbw Vale. I’ve been here five years and we have a consistent squad in training week in week out. Jason (Strange) did a lot of good work and Nigel (Davies) has done a great job since coming in last year too.
“I have to thank the forwards for doing all the hard work, I just take the glory when it comes to the ‘Catch and Kynes’ scores!
“We never doubted we could do well in the Premiership. Last year was a fantastic achievement to reach the final and we wanted to go one better this year and win. We left it late but luckily we found some consistency in the last couple of months and made the play-offs.
“Sunday will be tough at Llandovery, especially after they’ve won the Cup last week but we’re looking forward to it all the same.”
Natalie Stevens, Principality Building Society’s Ebbw Vale branch manager, said: “Ronny has had a great season for Ebbw Vale, helping them to another strong season in the Principality Premiership. He has scored some fantastic tries and we wish him and Ebbw Vale all the best for next season.”
Ronny Kynes factfile
Born: 18.8.86, Caerphilly
Club: Ebbw Vale
Position: Flanker
Education: New Tredegar Primary, Rhymney Comprehensive
First club: New Tredegar juniors and youth, first senior rugby at Tredegar before signing at Ebbw Vale
Occupation: Bricklayer
Inspiration: My father Billy ‘Irish’ Kynes. My parents have always supported my sport from the age of five or six, they still come to every game now and have kept me on the straight and narrow
Most admired rugby player: Richie McCaw
Most admired sportsperson: David Beckham
It’s the last game of the regular season for Ebbw Vale and Aberavon at Eugene Cross Park on Sunday (5:15 ko), with both sides aiming for the third play-off place. A win for Ebbw will make them uncatchable, while the Wizards will be waiting on Saturday’s results to figure out where they’ll stand should they take the points on Sunday evening.
Ebbw’s team has a familiar look to it, with skipper Damien Hudd, whose red card at Bedwas was overturned this week, leading the side as ever.
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Jared Rosser; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Cameron Regan. Subs: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Robert Sevenoaks, Luke Crocker, Ethan Doyle, Tom Edwards, Jordan Howells, Iain Smerdon.
There’s no complicated calculation involved as far as Ebbw’s chances of a play off place are concerned: a win over Aberavon on Sunday will guarantee a semi-final tie with either Pontypridd or Llandovery – and we’ll know which one by Saturday evening.
Tuesday’s results went favourably for Ebbw, the key one being Aberavon’s win over Cross Keys which means that, even though two bonus point wins for Keys would see them finish level on points with Ebbw (if the Steelmen beat the Wizards, but don’t gain a bonus point), they will have one less victory. So, all Ebbw need to do now is win on Sunday…
Damien Hudd’s red card, given late in the game at Bedwas on March 26th, has been overturned. Damien’s hearing took place at the WRU on Tuesday evening and the decision means that he is available for the Steelmen’s last league game of the season, at home to Aberavon on Sunday afternoon (5:15 ko).
The End of Season Club Dinner and Awards Evening has been confirmed as taking place at the Welfare on Friday, 20th May, commencing at 7pm.
Tickets cost £20 per person which will include a 3-Course Meal. Tables can be booked for groups of 10/12 people, while individual seats can also be booked.
To book seats/tables at the evening, contact Andrew using the details below:
email: ebbwaddicts@mail.com
Phone: 07766490358
Ebbw Vale’s team to play Llandovery in the Swalec Cup quarter final at Eugene Cross Park this Saturday afternoon, kicking off at 2:30, is as follows:
Chris Levesley, Ryan Gardner, Nathan Preece, Iain Smerdon, David Williams; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Rob Sevenoaks; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Cameron Regan.
Bench: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Gethin Robinson, Luke Crocker, Ethan Doyle, Tom Edwards, Jordan Howells, Jarod Rosser.
Please note this is an all pay game except for Vice presidents:
Vice Presidents – Free
Season ticket holders – Adults £7 Concessions £4
Others – Adults £10 Concessions £7
Please be aware that the discounted prices for season ticket holders will only be available through the special turnstile on the left side of the main gate. This will be clearerly marked.
There are 9 changes to Saturday’s starting line up for Ebbw’s visit to Pandy Park this evening (April 5th, 7:15pm).
The team is: Dan Haymond, Ryan Gardner, Jordan Howells, Adam Jones, David Williams; Iain Smerdon, Tom Edwards; Ian George, Mathew Williams, Rob Sevenoaks; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Harrison Keddie.
Sybs: Joe Franchi, Ross Jones, Gethin Robinson, Joe Bartlett, Ethan Doyle, Cameron Regan, Chris Thomas, Nathan Preece.
Nigel Davies has announced the Ebbw Vale team to play Carmarthen Quins, away, this Saturday afternoon.
15 Daniel Haymond, 14 David Williams, 13 Nathan Preece, 12 Adam Jones, 11 Chris Levesley; 10 David Langdon, 9 Chris Thomas; 1 Ross Jones, 2 Joe Franchi, 3 Gethin Robinson; 4 Damien Hudd (captain), 5 Ashley Sweet; 6 Rhys Clarke, 7 Cameron Regan, 8 Luke Crocker.
Subs: 16 Mathew Williams, 17 Ian George, 18 Lloyd Bridges, 19 Ronny Kynes, 20 Harrison Keddie, 21 Tom Edwards, 22 Iain Smerdon, 23 Ryan Gardner.
There’s a familiar look to the Ebbw team to take on Bedwas at the Bridge Field tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, kicking off at 2:30 pm.
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Iain Smerdon, Chris Thomas; Ian George, Mathew Williams, Rob Sevenoaks; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Cameron Regan.
Subs: Joe Franchi, Ross Jones, Gethin Robinson, Luke Crocker, Ethan Doyle, Tom Edwards, Dai Langdon, Jordan Howells.
There was a well attended Question and Answer session at the Welfare Club on Tuesday evening, with Head Coach Nigel Davies and Chairman Jonathan Jones answering supporters questions on a whole array of EVRFC-related matters. Here are some selected highlights that have been edited to maintain confidentiality where appropriate:
Q. Nigel, do you plan to stay for a few more seasons?
ND: I plan to stay as long as possible, it’s local for me as I live in Usk. JJ: He’s had other offers but has chosen to stay with us.
Q: You have been doing a lot more TV and radio lately, is that another route of your career to go alongside the coaching or instead of the coaching?
ND: I certainly enjoy it but can’t make a living out of it! But it’s something I enjoy. I’ve done very little this season, actually, but did contribute to the World Cup and the under 20’s games.
Q: Are you Looking for sponsors for next year?
JJ: Sponsorship is very difficult in this part of the world, and we rely on brilliant local sponsors who have been with us for years. Of course we always need more and, as Nigel says, with decreasing funding available we have to keep looking. The market drives what we do. Ideas are always needed such as match ball sponsors, and the gate money is also important. Small chunks work well.
Q: Can you and the players start coming into the bar after the games?
ND: Yes we are mindful that this should happen and it has slipped away this season. Players do want to do it as so many of them are local too. Martin (Cooke) came on board to support the club, in management and organising the team, chasing them regarding training and ensuring they’re mindful of their commitments.
Q: What can the Addicts do for you to help, what do you expect from us?
ND: It’s great the players know that there’s a core of supporters behind them and they definitely perform as a result of that. The players have a responsibility to them, their families and supporters, and they understand that culture, being local.
Q: Could we publish more information on line about players injuries and recovery?
ND: We can facilitate some information on injuries where appropriate. However we don’t want the opposing teams to know who’s injured.
Q: Will pre season training still be local?
ND: Pre-season will be predominantly local. There will be different work on skills like conditioning which is most important. However, we do want to mix it up a little such as working on the beach as they are good for grappling and contact.
Q: If Sam (Nigel’s son) isn’t playing for the Ospreys can we have him?
ND: Yes we asked but no we can’t…
Q: Do you agree that the new website is too complicated?
JJ: We’re not going backwards. It more modern, with more pictures and I think this is easier to maintain and use.
Q: Nigel, you talk about there being so many phases in the game. What is meant by this?
ND: Statistically if you work six phases you’re more likely to get the penalty. We have created a lot of opportunities from this. Our mantra is always “Sets of six”.
Q: Can we make these Q&A sessions a regular thing?
JJ: Yes absolutely fine with this, if we do it quarterly we’ll stop the void of non-factual information circulating.
The postponed match between Ebbw Vale and Crosskeys will take place on Tuesday, April 5th, kicking off at 7:15pm.
Ebbw’s final home game of the regular league season will now be played on Sunday, April 24th, kicking off at 5:15pm. This is because S4C have picked up their option to show a Premiership game live and have chosen our fixture with Aberavon as the plum tie of the weekend.
Ebbw Vale will play Llandovery at home in the quarter final of the Swalec Cup on Saturday, April 9th, kicking off at 2:30pm.
Head Coach Nigel Davies will hold a Question and Answer session on the evening of March 22nd, starting at 8 pm in the club. Come along and ask Nigel about his thoughts on the season so far and his plans for the games ahead and next season. http://casinopelit.vuodatus.net/lue/2016/08/parhaat-kasino-bonukset
Head Coach Nigel Davies makes just two changes to the starting line up for Saturday afternoon’s home match with league leaders and reigning champions, Pontypridd (kicking off at 1:30). Cameron Regan and Mathew Williams start for Ebbw, in for Rhys Clarke and Joe Franchi respectively.
The team is: Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Iain Smerdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Cameron Regan, Ronny Kynes, Luke Crocker. Subs: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Rob Sevenoaks, Joe Bartlett, Ethan Doyle, Dai Jones, Dai Langdon, Jordan Howells.
We have received this letter from Ryan Jones, who is the newly-appoainted Head of Rugby Participation at the WRU.
“Following on from the letter in October regarding the nationwide participant survey, we are pleased to announce that the survey is now live. The link to complete the survey is:
www.wru.wales/shapeourgame
The survey is a chance for everyone in Wales to have their say and help shape the game for the future. The survey will help generate insight and understanding into player’s (both active and lapsed) motivations and behaviours for getting involved in rugby. The survey has a specific focus on youth and adult male participation.
The insight generated will help shape a set of proposals aimed at addressing the player retention issues we are experiencing in the game.
I thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.”
The Ebbw Vale team to play Llanelli tomorrow (March 5th) at Eugene Cross Park is as follows:
Dan Haymond; David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Joe Franchi, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Luke Crocker. Subs: Mathew Williams, Ian George, Rob Sevenoaks, Cameron Regan, Ethan Doyle, Dai Jones, Iain Smerdon, Jordan Howells.
The match kicks off at 2:30pm.
Tonight’s (02/03/16) minis and juniors match up between RTB Steelers and Risca has fallen victim to the weather and will be re-scheduled for later this month.
Ebbw Vale visit Newcastle Emlyn tomorrow afternoon (February 27th), for the re-arranged Swalec Cup match.
The team is:
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Iaian Smerdon, Dai Jones; Ross Jones, Joe Franchi, Rob Sevenoaks; Joe Bartlett, Ashley Sweet (capt); Luke Crocker, Cameron Regan, Ethan Doyle.
Subs: Mathew Williams, Ian George, Lloyd Bridges, Damien Hudd, Ronny Kynes, Chris Thomas, Dai Langdon, Jordan Howells.