Jason Strange’s side have swept all before them in the last three seasons, winning back-to-back One East titles before taking home the inaugural SWALEC Championship last season.
They also reached the quarter finals of the 2012/13 SWALEC Cup, only exiting the competition following a nail biting one point defeat to eventual winners Pontypridd.
That game showed just how competitive Ebbw Vale can be against the best club sides in Wales, something they will have to show again at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, August 25.
“I’m really looking forward to it. It gives young players like myself the chance to play on the Arms Park, I can’t wait to be honest,” was Hughes’ verdict on the upcoming sevens tournament.
“I’ve got some sevens experience from when I was younger and we’ve been training hard up at Ebbw Vale.
“We’ve been sticking to our preseason schedule which hopefully means we’ll do well.”
The Steelmen face Llanelli in the final game of the opening round at Cardiff Arms Park, a stiff challenge given that the west Wales side reached last year’s Principality Premiership play-off final.
But after scoring 159 tries in their 26 games in the Championship last season, it’s clear Ebbw Vale have plenty of firepower of their own.
“Llanelli are going to be tough opposition, they’ve got a very strong academy but hopefully we’ll do well against them,” Hughes added.
“We’ll see how far we get but obviously there are some very good teams in the competition.
“It’s a brilliant prospect as a whole though and a great place to play at Cardiff Arms Park.”
The Foster’s National Sevens is a good opportunity for players from all 16 teams to both have a blow out ahead of the start of the regular season and claim some silverware.
“There are youngsters at Ebbw Vale who maybe haven’t been given the chance in the 15 a side game yet and sevens is a different style of play,” said Hughes.
“So it’s a good chance for them to make a name for themselves.
“We’ve got great coaches, a great set up and everyone is working hard. It’s a fantastic club to be at and it’s going to be a very interesting season.”
Tickets for the Foster’s National Sevens are on sale now at just £10 for adults, £5 for Under 16s and £20 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). Go to wru.co.uk/nationalsevens to purchase tickets or call 0844 8471881 (Ticketmaster) or 02920 230130 (Ticketline). Personal callers can also purchase tickets from the WRU shop, 8 Westgate Street or from Ticketline, 47 Westgate Street.
