The trophy was handed over after an emphatic 44-17 weekend victory at Eugene Cross Park.
The win completed a clean sweep of domestic silverware for Newport, who have now added the Shield to their SRC Trophy and SRC Cup triumphs, while also ending Ebbw Vale’s long reign as holders—a run that stretched back to October 2024 and included 14 successful defences.
Similar to New Zealand’s Ranfurly Shield, the ‘holder’ puts up the Shield for competition in every home game in the regular league season.
“Absolutely thrilled to have taken the Challenger Shield from Ebbw Vale. We knew it was going to be a huge task, especially with how difficult they are to beat at Eugene Cross Park,” said Morris.
Despite the convincing scoreline, Newport were forced to overcome a difficult start after Ebbw Vale surged into a 10-0 lead through a try from Morgan Rees, converted by Tom Price, who also added a penalty.
Morris acknowledged his side had to weather that early storm before taking control.
“The game itself was a bit scrappy and stop-start, which didn’t really suit us. Ebbw came out flying and we looked like we were in for a tough afternoon early on.
“Credit to the players though, they settled into the game and were very clinical between 20–40 minutes, which put us into the lead.”
Newport responded in style, with wing Oli Andrew crossing twice, while Hunter Ward, Kyle Tayler and replacement centre Chay Foster-Smith also touched down in a dominant attacking display.
Harrison James contributed heavily from the tee with four conversions and three penalties, while Carwyn Penny added another conversion.
The contest, however, was far from straightforward. Tempers flared in a heated derby encounter that saw multiple yellow cards issued, while Ebbw centre Ethan Phillips was sent off in the second half.
There was also concern for Ebbw captain Joe Franchi, who was forced off with a serious-looking neck injury during the opening period, while scrum-half Jon Evans also departed early.
“Everyone at Newport wishes him [Franchi] a full and speedy recovery, and we hope he’s doing ok,” continued Morris.
As the game wore on, Newport’s forward dominance began to tell, particularly at the set-piece.
“The second half followed a similar pattern; however our scrum began to take control and the lineout improved, which allowed us to manage territory and possession better.
“A late try probably made the scoreline look a bit more convincing than the game actually was but, to put over 90 points on Ebbw Vale across the last two games, shows the level we’re performing at right now. Every game from here on is a cup final.”
Ebbw did manage a second-half penalty try, but by then Newport had seized control, extending their recent dominance over their rivals to five consecutive victories, including last season’s SRC Trophy final and a dramatic extra-time cup semi-final earlier this month.
The result also ends a rare dip in form for Ebbw, who have now suffered back-to-back league defeats following their earlier loss to Cardiff RFC, having previously lost just once all season.
For Newport, attention quickly turns to their first Shield defence, with Bridgend Ravens set to visit next.
With a top-four finish—and home advantage in the play-offs—also in their sights, Morris’ side are building momentum at exactly the right time.
And if their head coach’s reaction is anything to go by, belief within the squad is growing just as quickly as their trophy haul.
