Cardiff – Ebbw Vale team news

Cardiff RFC face Ebbw Vale RFC in their first home game of the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru campaign on Thursday evening (KO: 19:30).

After making the 374-mile round trip to North Wales to face Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) last time out, Dan Fish’s side will be eager to continue the positive start by securing another victory but this time in front of their home supporters.

Team News:

1. Rhys Barratt

2. Efan Daniel

3. Will Davies-King

4. Craig Hudd

5. Sean Moore (C)

6. Gwilym Bradley

7. Nathan Hudd

8. Benji Williams

9. Sion Davies

10. Josh Thomas

11. Dewi Cross

12. Steffan Emanuel

13. Elijah Evans

14. Tom Bowen

15. Joe Goodchild

Replacements

16. Alun Rees

17. Marc Thomas

18. Thomas Harper

19. Evan Rees

20. Tom Rice

21. Joe Williams

22. Osian Darwin-Lewis

23. Jason Harries

Pre Match Thoughts:

Speaking ahead of the fixture and after scoring a hat-trick in the 32-25 win over RGC, Tom Bowen said: “It felt pretty special to get my debut for Cardiff RFC. It’s a club which has a rich history and some of the very best have worn that jersey.

“The boys will be buzzing to get going again after a good win away to RGC. We want to build on our performance from RGC this week and always get better as it was far from perfect against RGC.

“I think from us, we are just concerned what we can bring to the table on Thursday night. Ebbw Vale will always be a good outfit but if we turn up and play to our strengths we should hopefully get the result.

“It’s a must win game for us as it’s the first one in front of our home support. We will want to showcase our best rugby,” he added.

Also speaking ahead of the game, head coach, Dan Fish said: “We are looking forward to getting back out at the Arms Park. 

“Another exciting squad named. We know Ebbw Vale are going to be tough opposition and we have to be on the ball from the first whistle. 

“After a good win last week the boys know this is going to be another physical challenge that we must rise too,” he said. 

Closer look at our opposition

Ebbw Vale started the new Super Rygbi Cymru competition with a home win over Aberavon (34-22) at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

Tries from Captain Joe Franchi, Ethan Phillips, Ewan McIntyre, Ryan Gardner and Jon Evans saw the Steelmen pick up the same amount of points as the Blue and Blacks.

Lewis Young was Player of the Match and will be certainly one to watch out for. Evan Lloyd will be vital for the Steelmen having kicked ten points off the tee on the weekend.

Former Cardiff RFC tighthead, Adam Williams has been a good addition to the Steelmen after leaving the Arms Park over the Summer.

Head to Head Record

Historically, this tie has been in favour of the Blue and Blacks as they have won 70 of their 118 meetings which dates back to 1927.

However, last season they met on three occasions, Ebbw Vale won the first two meetings and the Blue and Blacks kicked off 2024 with a crucial win away from home.

The last time they visited the Arms Park it finished 36-20 and this was the first win in the Capital for the Steelmen since 2017. Ieaun Morris scored a brace which were both converted by Lloyd Evans and also Ryan Jenkins crossed alongside with a penalty try for Ebbw Vale.

Remember the last meeting?

The Blue and Blacks will have fond memories of the last meeting back in January of this year when they broke Ebbw Vale’s home-winning record.

This came after a superb second-half performance, which saw Jamie Hill, Ethan Phillips and Dewi Cross all score as Cardiff recorded a memorable 23-9 win at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

Get to know our Special Mascot

Kingsley the Guide Dog puppy will be our mascot for Thursday night. Kingsley also made the long journey up to RGC to watch the Blue and Blacks as part of his puppy training.

Kingsley said: “Hi, my name is Kingsley and I’m currently living with Tom Bowen and his family.

“I’m working hard as when I grow up, I’m hoping to become a life changer, as a guide dog.”

For more information on the good work provided by Guide Dogs, please visit this link:

https://www.guidedogs.org.uk

Information on Cardiff Rugby’s visually impaired team can be found here:

https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/about-community

For those unable to make it Thursday evening, you can stay up-to-date with the action by following our live updates across our social media channels (X, Facebook and Instagram).

The match will also be live on S4C Chwaraeon media channels including YouTube.