Aberavon lost their first match of the new season despite leading twice in the first half. It was a friendly match however and Ebbw Vale were already up to full match practice after several earlier games this month.
The ‘Wizards’ will look back at missed chances in the first 20 minutes especially, yet they had led by ‘the try of the season’ from Stef Andrews after just two minutes play. Will Price did superbly to get the ball away near halfway and the very-fit wing turnedinside in a great arc to leave the defence standing with Aled Thomas converting.
Chances went by and after 21 minutes Ebbw went on the attack after centre Lewis Bates was obstructed. The forwards handled well and lock Brice Randell scored for Lewis K.Williams to convert.
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Aberavon, with Lloyd Evans, a former Ebbw player, quite outstanding, looked to have plenty in hand and suddenly centre Chay Smith intercepted on halfway and was gone with Aled Thomas again converting.
However, wing Euan Rosser took an interception in the final minute of the half and Williams again converted at 14-14.
Many changes were made to either side, though scrum half Rhodri Cole had to stay on throughout and played well.
After 45 minutes a numberless replacement centre scored a fine try for Ebbw and Rhys Jones added the extras to put the visitors ahead.
Aberavon hit back to make it 21-all when the alert Andrews took an interception and ran some 70 metres for a try that was well converted by debutant and replacement fly half Dan Edwards.
Nevertheless, it was the Ebbw Vale pack who now took over and a try by a replacement wing put them ahead by 26-21.
Rhys Jones missed a penalty, but soon landed another effort and Aberavon gained a late corner try which was credited to replacement hooker Llew Phillips-Taylor.
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For Aberavon, Aled Thomas looked as fit as a fiddle and Price was solid as the captain for the day. Lloyd Evans was outstanding.
This was the first game and no matter how much players train it will never be the same as playing a real match. Jonny Phillips looked good at full back and Andrews splendid, while Ashton Evans was playing his first game since breaking his jaw.
News was not good of some of the squad regarding injury and illness and there might have to be another wing signing made.
Aberavon Rugby Football Club have finalised their squad ahead of the 2021/22 season. As follows.
Props
Rowan Jenkins, Rhys Fawcett, Jordan Walters, Geraint James, Chris Davies, Nicky Thomas.
Hookers
Cameron Lewis, Ieuan Davies, Llew Phillips-Taylor, Luke Davies.
Second Rows
Sam Williams, Rhodri Hughes, Shay Smallman, Ben Thomas.
Backrows
Joe Tomalin-Reeves (c), Lee Purnell, Lloyd Evans, Billy Moxey, Ashton Evans, Andrew Waite.
Halfbacks
Aled Thomas, Joe Gage, Dan Edwards, Rhodri Cole, David Pritchard, Iwan Temblett.
Centres
Will Price, Chay Smith, Rheon James, Logan Phillips.
Wings
Stefan Andrews, Aled Rees, Matthew Jenkins, Frankie Jones, Jay Baker.
Fullbacks
Chris Banfield, Cori Lewis-Jenkins, Jonathan Phillips.
Aberavon take on Ebbw Vale in their first preseason friendly at the Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday 28 August, 1430KO. Entry is £3 donation to Aberavon RFC/ Maggie’s Swansea
Season Tickets are available for purchase and collection at the Ebbw Vale and Newport preseason friendlies.
Aberavon Rugby Football Club have been busy working on their squad for the forthcoming 2021/22 season.
Ahead of the squad announcement on Friday 27th August – Head Coach Jason Hyatt spoke of the recent new additions to the squad, starting with increasing the depth of talent in the front row department.
“Jordan Walters joins us from the Ospreys. He is a strong scrummager and a real threat with ball in hand.
Rhys Fawcett joins us from the Scarlets. I watched Rhys develop at the Scarlets into a powerful player both at set piece and in open play.
Lastly, Nicky Thomas joins us from the Ospreys. Nicky is renowned for his powerful scrummaging and at 26 years of age has gained a huge amount of experience within various environments”.
During COVID-19, Cameron Lewis, son of Lyndon Lewis also signed for the club from Cardiff Blues.
“Cam has worked exceptionally hard on all aspects of his game and is a really talented Hooker,” added Jason.
Jay Baker returns after spells with Merthyr and overseas.
“Jay Baker joins from Manly Marlins. Jay is a player who can consistently break down the most organised defences, and will add extra options to our all round game,” commented Hyatt.
Aberavon have also signed some rising talent on development contracts, flanker Billy Moxey and centre Logan Phillips.
Head Coach Jason Hyatt added.
“Billy Moxey joins us from Pontardawe. He has gained experience at age grade level with the Ospreys, where he earned a reputation as a physical ball carrier and aggressive defensive player. Billy also came with a glowing endorsement from our defence coach Chris Davies.
Likewise, Logan, like Billy, has gained experience playing age grade rugby with the Ospreys. He is an exciting talent both in attack and defence. Chris Davies rates Logan very highly indeed.”
Aberavon take on Ebbw Vale in their first preseason friendly at the Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday 28 August, 1430KO. Entry is £3 donation to Aberavon RFC/ Maggie’s Swansea.
Joe Tomalin-Reeves will continue as club captain for the 2021/22 season.
A fiery flanker that leads from the front in his all action performances in ‘Blood and Black’ will be captain for his second season. Joe will will be amongst names such as Ian Moore, Morton Howells and Billy James as captain of this iconic club.
Looking forward ahead of the season Joe was asked if there is some work to do on bringing the players back together as a team.
“As crazy as it sounds, it feels like we have not been away from the environment. It has just been different. We had a fair few zoom meetings, we really stayed in touch with everyone and as a squad we thought that was very important. So when we came back, that would hold us in good stead and it truly has. Boys are excited,” Joe said.
18-months with no game, no training and wondering what will happen next must have had a significant impact on the players and the squad.
“We have to spin this whole situation around. Players who may have been carrying injuries have had time to recover, regenerate and prepare to go again,” added Joe.
Looking ahead to the season and its new format we asked Joe what are the expectations of the squad.
“The expectation every year is to win silverware, that is the same every year, it is no different. Our environment is extremely professional and there are players that drive standards hard, so there is really no reason why we cannot win the league, and more”.
“I cannot wait to see the supporters, before the game, after the game, and I speak for all of the squad on that.
It is hoped the Talbot Athletic Ground will be brimming full of supporters in their first league game against Llanelli. The support now is more important than ever.
“I cannot wait to see the supporters, before the game, after the game, and I speak for all of the squad on that. We are raring to go, through thick and thin, I cannot wait”
We have sadly lost a lot of supporters during COVID, with COVID and amongst other illnesses and we owe them really. We need to treasure every moment as a supporter and as a player,” commented the Captain.
Aberavon take on Ebbw Vale in their first preseason friendly at the Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday 28 August, 1430KO. Entry is £3 donation to Aberavon RFC/ Maggie’s Swansea.
Aberavon Rugby Football Club are delighted to announce the 21/22 coaches led by Head Coach Jason Hyatt.
The only new addition is Josh Davies who takes the role as Strength and Conditioning Coach replacing Howard Thomas. Otherwise, the coaches remain the same in:
Jason Hyatt – Head Coach
Marc Breeze – Forwards Coach
Chris Davies – Defence and Contact Area Coach
Jamie Davies – Skills Coach
Lyndon Lewis – Backs Coach
Josh Davies – Strength and Conditioning Coach
The club are fully in their preparations for the forthcoming season with preseason friendlies against Ebbw Vale (28 Aug), Newport (4 Sept) and Llandovery (11 Sept).
‘The Wizards’ join forces with South Wales based sportswear and teamwear company, Fiture.
Aberavon Rugby Football Club and Fiture have signed a three-year agreement commencing at the start of the 2021/22 season.
Fiture will feature on both the famous blood and black jersey worn by ‘the Wizards’. Along with the technical and replica shirts, Fiture will also be supply a full loaded training-range and game-day range.
Aberavon embark on a new era with an aspiring local sports brand and will be the first and only Welsh Premiership club to feature in the Fiture brand.
Luke Griffiths, Director of Fiture said.
“This announcement marks an extremely exciting time for Fiture and Aberavon. We are delighted to partner up with such a historical and prestigious club who continue to lead the way with their modern and professional approach to rugby both on and off the field.
We have worked closely with key members of the club to create a bespoke range of on field and off field clothing that combines club traditions with modern features.
Our partnership with Aberavon RFC adds even more prestige to our ever growing Fiture family”
Wizards Commercial, Communications and Marketing Manager, Chris Davies added:
“We pride ourselves on being forward thinking, and setting the example within the landscape that we operate. This partnership demonstrates our philosophy and ambition in leading the way in the Welsh Premiership.
In Fiture, we have found a fantastic brand that operates locally in Pyle Industrial Estate. It was important to us to support locally especially considering the recent external circumstances the world has faced.
It is the first time that we have developed a bespoke range in over 7 years. We have included some players in the design process, therefore it has been an exciting holistic experience to date.
We are looking forward to releasing the new range to our supporters where these items can be purchased both online and in our club shop as soon as possible.”
About FITURE
Fiture is a south-wales based sportswear and team wear company.
Originally started in 2016, FITURE has continued to develop from a small sportswear brand into a well-known brand providing professional level sports clothing and team wear.
FITURE, was born when they combined what they aim to supply to their customers, (COUTURE – Meaning modern, well-fitting clothing) along with the market they operate in; fitness.
With an unusual season structure ahead of us we have decided to offer just two season ticket categories for this season alone. Hopefully next season we can revert back to our normal pattern but for this season only there will just be two season ticket choices on offer.
We are aware that we may get disruptions and break in the season, therefore, the price reflects potential issues. We will not be offering concessions due to the current discounted rate.
If you would like view our fixture schedule please visits the Fixtures and Results page.
You can download a season ticket application form below.
The Aberavon Vice Presidents Season Ticket for the 2023/24 season grants you access to all Aberavon home games. Please see fixtures page for more information on games.
Also, a VP season ticket gets your name in the season ticket and on the website, an Aberavon VP tie (on first sign-up) and an invitation to the VP sponsored d…
Please bring your proof of purchase to one of our allocated season ticket collection days to collect your season ticket. Season tickets will also be available to purchase in person at one of our home games listed below.
Dates:
28 August, Aberavon v Ebbw Vale (preseason friendly)
4 September, Aberavon v Newport (preseason friendly)
18 September, Aberavon v Llanelli (Indigo Premiership Cup)
25 September, Aberavon v Swansea (Indigo Premiership Cup)
‘The Wizards’ are set to return to rugby with eyes on Llanelli.
18-months without rugby has been a testing time for all involved, however, the return is just around the corner.
Aberavon RFC Chairman, Andrew John is delighted to be getting back to it.
“After what has seemed like an age without live Welsh Premiership rugby we can finally at last look forward to some action, like all Wizards supporters I am really looking forward to watching us play again”.
Knowing that that there will be some rugby played at the Talbot Athletic ground within weeks, preparations have formally begun stated Aberavon RFC Head Coach Jason Hyatt.
“When national restrictions allowed us to start training, we took the decision to train once a week on a voluntary basis. The first couple of sessions took place on Aberavon beach, then we moved to our usual training base at Ysgol Cwm Brombil. These sessions included light S&C & conditioned games.The sessions allowed us all to get back into our rugby environment in a controlled and enjoyable way.
We are now at the end of week seven, during the first sixteen practice sessions a large focus has been placed on achieving good fitness levels, while also spending time practicing our attacking and defensive policies.We now start to build in our set piece and unit plays”.
Without delving back into the dreaded COVID pandemic and its impact, ‘the Wizards’ seem firmly in the present and looking forward to the future.
“It’s been a long 18 months to be honest so the start cant come quick enough. With two pre-season games and two of the opening cup games home it’s back to action with a bang which is just what we want”, added Andrew John.
Jason Hyatt added.
“The attitude of the players has as always been outstanding, everyone is extremely focused on not only improving as individuals but also improving our environment. Excitement is certainly building as we fast approach our first pre season friendly against Ebbw Vale”.
When speaking about the players, the question around the squad was spoken about. Has there been any new signings? Has anyone moved on?
“On the field we have strengthened the squad and I’m extremely hopeful that we will be a real force this year, it will be different for sure but the positive thing is that we are back on the field which is so important,” stated the Chairman.
The squad looks to be announced in the next week. Andrew finished by adding.
“I am really looking forward to welcoming everyone back and hopefully putting some smiles back on faces after some dark times.
Let’s all enjoy it and savour being able to watch the Wizards play live rugby again, very soon as well”.
After an 18-month hiatus due to the pandemic, the Indigo Group Premiership clubs finally have something to look forward to with a new cup competition set to kick-start the season on September 18.
The 12 clubs have been divided into two pools of six – West and East – for the inaugural Indigo Group Premiership Cup.
Llanelli, Aberavon, Bridgend, Carmarthen Quins, Llandovery and Swansea form the West while Merthyr, Ebbw Vale, Pontypridd, Newport, Cardiff and RGC will contest the East.
The initial stage will be on a home and away basis to find the top two sides from each group. The winner from West will then host the runners-up from East in one semi-final while in the other semi-final the winner of East will host the runner-up of West. The date and venue of the final are TBC.
“The key for us has been to get people back playing rugby. A lot of time and effort has gone into ensuring the top end of our club game can return to action in a safe environment,” said WRU head of participation, Geraint John.
“Finally, the players and coaches have something tangible to focus on and we can all now look forward to seeing some exciting derbies which I’m sure will give fans something to shout about at long last.”
Ian Cole-Wilkins, CEO of Indigo Group, said: “We are pleased to be finally welcoming clubs back after a long and challenging 18 months. The new West and East cup competition format to start in September gives local supporters the chance to see the players stir up some long standing rivalries!
“Indigo Group will continue to support clubs with their return to rugby and we look forward to getting to some of the games.”
Jon Jones, chairman of the Indigo Group Premiership clubs and Ebbw Vale, expressed relief that a date has now been set in concrete to get the players back on the pitch and is hoping the derbies will see fans pouring back through the turnstiles.
“Having a cup competition at the beginning of the season is something different, but we’re obviously looking forward to it because we haven’t played for over 18 months by the time we kick off,” he said. “We’re really enthusiastic to get back to playing and that is a message from all the Indigo Group Premiership clubs really.
“It’s really important to have that start date set now – we’ve not even got close to it before so it’s great to know when we’re going to start, we’ve all got friendly fixtures lined up to lead into the competition,” he said.
Jones added the Indigo Group Premiership has had to follow certain protocols before having a start-date confirmed.
“Training has already started for the clubs, but we need a bigger lead-in than some of the community clubs for obvious reasons.
“We have got to get a lot of things in place and it gives us time to do that to make sure the players are ready – it’s been a long time without contact so there are concerns from the medical side of things and that is why it has been managed in the way it has and why we are starting later than the community game.”
With pre-season now fully underway, Aberavon head coach Jason Hyatt is eager to get the new campaign going.
“From our point of view, it’s really important that we get back playing as soon as possible, it’s so important on all fronts. Important for the clubs, important for the supporters and Welsh rugby in general,” he said.
“It is nice to have something concrete to look forward to. They will all be difficult games, traditionally the West sides play a lot of rugby and I enjoyed it the last time it was east and west if I’m honest.
“The East and West is not a new format – we did it a number of years ago and that was the year we reached the final play-off and we played Merthyr in the final.
“We’re very lucky in Aberavon, we’ve got fantastic supporters and everyone is busting a gut to watch rugby again. My son plays for Gowerton, I watched him play against Dunvant so it feels like it is starting to feel like a bit of normality is kicking in now. It was just nice watching a game of rugby so no doubt our supporters will feel exactly the same.”
Hyatt has no doubt the derbies will bring the best out of the players and is encouraging fans who have been devoid of any live sporting action over the past 18 months to go and support their local team.
“Personally, I think the standard is rising all the time. I take my hat off to everyone involved with the Indigo Group Premiership – it doesn’t just fall in our laps at that level. A lot of hard work is involved, and it is a fantastic environment for youngsters to come through and learn,” he said.
Jones added: “This will be a chance to see some live rugby, it’s good for the clubs and good for atmosphere and I think everybody needs that after what we have been through as a society – everybody needs something different to the garden.
“It’s a chance for the Indigo Group Premiership clubs to continue to show what they can do – that is why we would be really pleased to get more people through the gates because I think as people come they will want to come again.”
