NIGEL Davies has left Ebbw Vale after two years in charge at Eugene Cross Park.

The 52-year-old former Wales centre took over as head coach of the Steelmen in 2015 and guided the club to a first Welsh Premiership title last May.

“I would like to thank the players, committee and supporters at Ebbw Vale rugby club for the warm welcome and support over the last two seasons and, in particular, Jonathan Jones for providing me the opportunity and his friendship over this time,” said Davies, who also coached his country in 2007.

“Having been fortunate to experience quite a bit in my rugby career I will always regard being part of this group and lifting the Premiership trophy as some of my fondest memories in the game.

“Over my time at Ebbw I have learned and taken a lot from the experience and thank the club for that, and there is no doubting how special this club is and how fondly those who have been involved with the club speak about it and regard it, of which I now proudly count myself one.

“When I first met Jonathan Jones to discuss the possibility of coming to Ebbw we discussed many things, most of which we have been able to deliver, but one was that I felt it was a two-year position and, unfortunately, that time has now come.

“Ebbw Vale will always hold a special place in my heart and I feel privileged to have played some small part in this great club’s history.”

Ebbw’s defence of their league crown came to an end earlier this month when they failed to qualify for the tier one play-offs.

It has been reported that Davies is set to take up the director of rugby role at Merthyr.