Ebbw Vale season preview

Poor old Ebbw Vale - financial problems have forced them to offload several of their first-team players and their best player, Wales prop Iestyn Thomas, has moved to Llanelli.

The Steelmen's young squad has been brought on well under coach Mike Ruddock's direction but it's possible that the heart has now been ripped out of Eugene Cross Park.

Vale have always been competitive, especially at home, but the aim this season must be simply to regroup and make sure they finish above Caerphilly in the Welsh League.

There was a comfortable 12 points between the two sides last year, but it will be much closer this time around and the Welsh Rugby Union has announced that there will be automatic relegation for the bottom side this season.

Yet Ruddock will still have a good pack at his disposal, backed up by the immaculate kicking of Gareth Cull that will turn pressure and possession into points.

It could be close, but Ebbw should have enough left in the locker to remain part of the top flight for at least another season after this one.