IT’S the end of an era at Eugene Cross Park following Damien Hudd’s decision to leave after a record-breaking seven seasons as Ebbw Vale captain.

The 36-year-old second row is returning to hometown club Brynmawr to take up the role of player-coach.

His move back to the Pirates, 12 months after leading the Steelmen to the Principality Premiership title, brings the curtain down on a trophy-laden Ebbw career.

Hudd, who also captained Wales at under-19 level and featured for Cross Keys, skippered Ebbw when they were crowned Division One East champions in 2011 and 2012.

He then guided the Gwent outfit to the National Championship title in 2013 and 2014, before the Steelmen were runners-up to Premiership winners Pontypridd in 2015.

Hudd scored 12 tries in 160 games for Ebbw and was named Premiership Player of the Year when the club got their revenge over Pontypridd to lift the Premiership trophy for the first time in 2016.

On top of his career in union, Hudd was also a Wales rugby league international as an amateur and professional.

In an open letter to the Ebbw supporters, Hudd said: “I joined with massive amounts of nerves and not much else.

“I knew it would be hard even just to make the cut, I never knew that it would lead to something that I will hold so special and close to my heart.”

He added: “There are so many individuals to thank for my time at the club; the backroom staff who without those guys the club wouldn’t run, the amazing coaches I’ve had the pleasure to work with over my time at Ebbw – Lee Davies, Jason Strange, Nelly to name a few – the supporters who I have one word for – magic. You have been our voice.

“There has to be a special mention to Rhys Shorney and Dr Rhys Thomas, without these guys I would have retired many years ago.

“I would like to thank the man behind all of this, Jon Jones, for trying and mostly succeeding to keep me a happy old man.

“His work for this club is tireless and I’m glad we could pay him back by winning the league title last year.

“Without my teammates, without the boys I call best friends, even family, I would have been just another player.

“Behind any successful captain there is always the best team, best friends, best family ever.

“Every teammate that has worn that special red, white and green shirt, sometimes pink, purple, blue, I will hold you close to my heart and close in my memories forever.”

He continued: “I think I’ve had a lucky time. I came to a club that had been struggling so there was only really one way we as a team could have gone – leagues won, championships won, even Premierships won.

“It was never really my title or my wins, even winning Premiership Player of the Year last year was only done and won because of the incredible team I had around me.

“So it’s with a very sad and in other ways happy heart that I leave Ebbw in the hands of the new captain, new coaches and hopefully some new fans too.

“It’s time to take the step and the new challenges that come with playing and coaching back at my old club Brynmawr.

“This decision has been the hardest decision made in my rugby life but I think it’s best for me and for the club. I’ve loved everything that has been involved in being an Ebbw Vale Steelman.

“Last and certainly the most important thank you must go to my wonderful, amazing wife who over the last seven years has been married to Ebbw Vale Steelmen, brought up our amazing daughter, put up with so many late nights and days at rugby.

“Without her support I’m sure I would have never been able to do any of the above.”