EBBW Vale have appointed Wales A lock Chay Billen as their captain for next season. It is a decision which breaks the mould at the club where the captaincy has been held for the past six years by back row forwards Kingsley and Mark Jones.

And it is in keeping with the new look at the club, with 18 new players and a change in training headquarters.

"We've had three months of doom and gloom with players leaving and people saying we'd got in to the Celtic League by the back door," said Billen, also voted player of the year.

"But now we've signed some players, we're coming together and the buzz and enthusiasm is tremendous.

"We've got a lot of youngsters and they will set the tone. Mike Ruddock now has Kevin Hopkins fully committed to us on the coaching front.

"I'm a club person and it will be my sixth season with Ebbw Vale."

Ruddock said of Billen, "I have been really impressed with Chay since I arrived at Ebbw Vale.

"His attitude and commitment are tremendous, and I'm sure he'll do a good job." Ebbw Vale have moved their training HQ to the Michael Sobell Sports Centre at Aberdare.

"The facility is first class with running track, Astroturf, playing fields, gymnasium and rugby office on site," said Ruddock.

"Our aim is to use this facility to develop quality rugby players and athletes. "Allied to individualised fitness and skills programmes, this offers us the best chance of long term improvement and success.

Vale hold an open day at their new training HQ on Saturday.