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

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 28th February at 2.30pm.

On Monday 23rd 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 24th 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 1st 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

Tribute to Sion Jones and Alan Davies

Sion Jones

Everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of former player Sion Jones. Sion was an extremely talented winger who played for Ebbw in 2013/14. Sion was very popular off the pitch as well with his laid-back approach to life and humble manner. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with Sion’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Alan Davies

It is with great sadness that the club has been informed of the recent death of Alan Davies. Alan was the club photographer for many years where he could be seen walking around the touchline with his trusty camera hanging loosely around his neck and his trousers tucked in his socks, looking for the best action shots that were there to be taken. Alan took photographs of the great players that have worn the Ebbw Vale RFC badge – additionally the good and greats of Welsh club rugby.

All at Ebbw Vale RFC send our heartfelt condolences to Alan’s family and friends at this sad time.

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.

The Future, The Present, The Family

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

Posted on August 8, 2025
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

Monthly Archives: July 2025
Posted on July 30, 2025 by Andrew Phillips
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

Posted on July 29, 2025
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!

Posted on July 21, 2025
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

Posted on July 13, 2025
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce their partnership with O’Neills sportswear.

With this deal, the Steelmen become the first SRC club to partner with O’Neills, who will provide team kit and leisure wear in 2025/26.

O’Neills, based in Ireland, are the kit suppliers to the likes of Bristol Bears, St Helens and Warrington Wolves in rugby as well as being the main kit supplier for GAA.

As well as the club shop situated at the Welfare, the new partnership will also see an online shop for supporters to purchase Steelmen leisure and team wear direct from O’Neills.

The Steelmen are delighted to enter into this new partnership with O’Neills ahead of the 2025/26 season.

More details on leisure and kit design for the 2025/26 season will follow shortly.

Statement from O’Neills

Irish sportswear supplier O’Neills is proud to announce a new partnership with Ebbw Vale RFC as the club’s official kit supplier for the 2025/26 season and beyond. The agreement will see O’Neills provide all on-field and training products, outfitting the teams with innovative performance apparel for the 25/26 season and beyond.

Built on a shared commitment to excellence, resilience, and ambition, this partnership is a natural fit for both O’Neills and Ebbw Vale RFC. The South Wales region is steeped in rugby heritage and known for its passionate fans, and the brand is proud to align with a club that embodies these values on and off the pitch.

Ben Knight, regional sales manager commented: ‘We are incredibly proud to partner with Ebbw Vale, a club with a proud history, loyal fanbase, and exciting future. At O’Neills we share Ebbw Vale’s values of hard work, passion, and dedication, and we look forward to creating high-performance kits and apparel that players, staff, and fans can wear with pride”.

You can can find out more information about O’Neills on their website at the following link

Sports apparel, international sportswear and teamwear | O’Neills

#FeelTheSteel

Posted on July 3, 2025
CiNER Glass UK renews sponsorship of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club

CiNER Glass UK has today reaffirmed its commitment to the future of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club by extending its sponsorship of the club for another year.

The renewed agreement builds on a successful partnership that began in 2021, during which CiNER Glass became the club’s official main sponsor. Over the past four years, the company has supported the men’s first team and junior academy, and secured stadium naming rights, with the ground proudly known as the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

This latest extension will see CiNER Glass continue its investment into the club’s first team, junior academy, and the rugby stadium itself, continuing as the main sponsor on the front of the club’s iconic green, red, and white jerseys for the 2025/26 season, covering both the first team and all age-grade teams.

The company will also maintain its investment in the club’s facilities and development programmes, helping to nurture the next generation of Ebbw Vale rugby stars and the future prosperity of the club.

The announcement underlines CiNER Glass’ ongoing commitment to the local community, following its continued engagement in the region.

To date, Ciner Glass has invested more than £20 million into the UK and Welsh economy through sponsorship support, social enterprise initiatives, research and development grants with leading universities, and strategic partnerships with industry.

Speaking about the renewed sponsorship, Mrs Didem Ciner, Chair of CiNER Glass, said:

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Ebbw Vale Rugby Club for another year. The club holds a special place in the community, and we are proud to support its ambitions both on and off the pitch. We look forward to another exciting season and to seeing the club continue to thrive.”

Chairman of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club, Jonathan Jones, added:

“We are incredibly grateful to CiNER Glass for their continued support. Their sponsorship has been instrumental in helping us grow and strengthen the club over the past few years. This renewed commitment gives us great confidence as we look ahead to the new season.”

For further media enquiries, please contact: cinerglass@secnewgate.co.uk

Posted on July 1, 2025

At the presentation evening recently, Jason Strange announced that Joe Franchi will continue as club captain for the 2025/26 season.

Joe passed 200 appearances for the Steelmen in 2024/25 and was named the Clive Burgess Man of Steel and the Ebbw Addicts Player of the Year at the end of season awards.

In an incredible season, Joe also topped the SRC scoring charts with 20 tries in the SRC trophy with a total of 25 tries in all competitions.

On being announced as captain, Joe stated,

“It goes without saying it’s a huge honour to captain my hometown club for another year. The boys were a pleasure to captain last year, and our togetherness showed with us reaching two finals and keeping the SRC Shield for practically the whole season.

We’ve managed to retain a lot of the players from last season and I know Chippy has already started to strengthen us in key positions, which is very exciting for the coming season. I’m looking forward to getting back to work with the boys.”

Joe

#FeelTheSteel

Posted on June 23, 2025
As we start to look ahead to the 2025/26 season, we need to say a big thank you to players and staff who have left the club following the end of the 24/25 season.

It has already been announced that Cameron Regan is leaving the Steelmen after making more the 200 appearances for the club and Dan Haymond is leaving his Team Manager role to take up a coaching position with Crickhowell RFC.

However there are also a number of players and staff who have left the club at the end of the season.

Players leaving the Steelmen are:

Matt Jones, Morgan Davies, Gethin Williams, Dan Buffrey, Owen Hatherill, Hamish Anderson and Ned Bennett.

Everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC would like to thank them all for their commitment while with the Steelmen and wish them all the best for the future.

Head Physio Nikki Mac and S&C Coach Dawid Rubasniak are also leaving the club with Nikki taking up a full time role at Cardiff Met and Dawid looking to return to playing rugby next season. Good luck to you both.

Additions to the Steelmen squad for 2025/26 will be announced soon…

Posted on June 18, 2025
The club want to wish the best of luck to Cameron Regan who leaves the Steelmen having made 214 appearances for the club. Cam was a member of the 2015/16 Premiership winning team and voted Clubman of the Year at the end of season awards this year.

Cam has sent this message to the Steelmen family,

I’d like to thank everyone at the club for the best years. I have enjoyed every minute playing for this great club and I will miss putting on that jersey and taking the field with the boys on a Saturday. Ebbw Vale has been such a big part of my life and I’m forever grateful for it all. Whenever I get the chance to come and watch I’m sure you’ll hear me on the bank! I wish everyone all the best for the future and hopefully the boys can go one better next season and win it all. Ebbw Vale will always have a massive place in my heart

#AlwaysASteelman

Posted on June 16, 2025
Everyone at the club wishes Dan Haymond the best of luck as he starts his coaching journey alongside former Steelman, Jonny Bowen at Crickhowell RFC.

Dan has sent the following message;

“I’d like to thank everyone at the club for their support over the years while playing and after retiring. Although coaching is something I have wanted to do for a few years, leaving Ebbw Vale was a hard decision for me and it’s taken me quite a while to come to this conclusion but the opportunity to coach at a great local club with a good friend was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

So I would like to thank Jason and Jon for their patience and support. Also thank you to Jonny and Crickhowell for their patience and understanding and the opportunity to join the club.

I would also like to wish all the players and coaches the best of luck in the coming seasons and I am sure that next year they get it over the line for all you Addicts. Also can I thank you all for your amazing support for me and my family over the last 13 years.

See you on the bank when I can.

Dan

Posted on June 14, 2025
Friday 13th June 2025 saw the annual Ebbw Vale RFC Dinner and Awards evening at the Welfare.

The main award of the evening, the Clive Burgess Man of Steel was presented to Joe Franchi. Joe also picked up the Ebbw Addicts Player of the Year, voted for by Steelmen supporters.

The Denzil Williams Players Player of the Year went to Sion Parry while the Ebbw Addicts Most Promising Player Award went to exciting, young scrum half Gruff Tough.

Cameron Regan picked up both the Ivor Evans Clubman of the Year Award and the Doctor Gordon Thomas Award.

Ethan Phillips was presented with his cap for making 100 appearances for the Steelman while Joe Franchi received his cap for passing 200 appearances for the Steelmen during the season.

Harry Rees-Weldon picked up the try of the season award for his try against Newport RFC in March at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium

Evan Lloyd picked up the Top Points scorer award

Joe Franchi picked up the Top Try scorer award with 25 tries. He was also top try scorer in the SRC.

Congratulations to Lewis Young and Don Franchi for passing 150 caps for the Steelmen.

Congratulations to Cameron Davies, Luke Garrett, Joe Franchi and Adam Williams for making the SRC Team of the Season.

A big thank you to the players and everyone who attended the end of season dinner. We raised £280 for the Food Cupboard at the Log Cabin in Hilltop. Huge thank you to everyone who donated.

#FeelTheSteel