TALISMAN flanker Ronny Kynes has been chosen as the successor to the influential Damien Hudd as captain at Ebbw Vale.

The 30-year-old openside was to the fore of the Steelmen's rise from the second tier to becoming Principality Premiership champions in 2016.

Kynes established himself as one of Hudd's leading right-hand men at Eugene Cross Park and will now take over from the lock, who has returned to his hometown club Brynmawr.

The back row forward has passed 150 appearances for Ebbw and is always in the thick of the action with an eye for the try line from the back of driving lineouts.

Kynes will lead the side out in his seventh campaign under new boss Lee Davies, who has taken the reins from Nigel Davies.

"Ronny is the epitome of what the club is about, displaying talent, hard work and pride in the badge that has driven him to go above and beyond the call of duty," read a club statement.

"Not many people will know that Ronny played the last six games of the Premiership champions season with a broken jaw, displaying true steel for the cause.

"Ronny is looking forward to driving the Steelmen back to the top of the table by leading by example and driving standards off the field where he has always been a huge influence with the squad, coaches and club officials."

Ebbw Vale play away friendlies against Bedlinog, Chinnor and Maesteg before getting their Premiership East campaign under way against Bargoed on Saturday, August 26.

The Steelmen will also be supporting Shine Cymru in 2017/18, raising funds and awareness for the charity that provides specialist help for those living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Kate Steele, Shine's chief executive, said: "I am thrilled that Ebbw Vale RFC has chosen to support Shine Cymru this year.

"Working at grassroots level to build the community and develop opportunities through rugby is key to what the club does.

"In many ways this reflects the approach and work that Shine Cymru does through providing support, information and advice across our community of individuals with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and their families in Wales.

"The partnership will provide important links and much needed funds to further our work in Blaenau Gwent."