A RUGBY chief who entered a mental health treatment centre has spoken of his "newfound enthusiasm for life" after returning home this week.

Chief Executive Officer of Pontypool RFC, Ben Jeffreys, helped lead the team to victory this year after claiming the WRU National Championship – the club's first piece of silverware in 14 years.

For years, he was battling with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression and entered treatment at the Priory Hospital in Bristol last month.

After 23 days of therapy, Mr Jeffreys, posting on Twitter, thanked the hospital staff for "giving him his life back" and his family and friends for their support.

"When I entered hospital just under a month ago, I had literally hit rock bottom after being unable to overcome the depression and obsessive compulsive disorder that had plagued me throughout my entire adult life," he said.

"Three weeks later, I can say with absolute sincerity that I have discovered a positive energy and appetite for life that had escaped me for so many years.

"I leave hospital with the acceptance that although I have depression, it is possible to find happiness and and not be defined by such a horrible illness."

"For the first time in my life, I have acceptance and I possess the courage to change," he said.

"I will give it a damn good try to change a little bit more, one day at a time".

He added that he will reply to "every single message" sent to him during his hospital stay.

"I write this note with tears in my eyes, but for the first time in many years - they are tears of happiness and gratitude," he said.

"Gratitude for the many people who have supported me during this incredibly painful experience."

He added: "To anybody reading this who may be struggling with their own mental health battle, remember that #ItsOkToTalk."