RONNY Kynes is relishing the chance to lead Ebbw Vale “back to where we belong” after taking over the captaincy from a club great.

The popular flanker has succeeded talisman Damien Hudd as skipper at Eugene Cross Park after the lock returned to his hometown club of Brynmawr as player-coach.

Hudd lifted the Principality Premiership trophy in 2016 and, after a season where they sneaked into Tier One but then fell well short of the play-offs, Kynes wants to be back mixing it at the top of the table.

The 31-year-old will lead Ebbw out at Bargoed tomorrow afternoon as they start in the revamped league that has been split into conferences and he is champing at the bit.

“We’ve had enough of the pre-season training and the boys are ready to go now,” said Kynes.

“I’ve got massive boots to fill and it was sad to see Damien go but that’s rugby and now we are looking forward and it should be an exciting season.

“Lee [Davies, who succeeded Nigel Davies in the summer] is a young coach with lots of new ideas and there has been plenty of chance and fresh faces.

“That’s given us a boost and we want to play some attacking rugby. We’ve got a lot of sharp players and we can’t wait to get the ball rolling.

“We’ve got a hell of a start against Bargoed and all these games are going to be really tough with the split and a lot of derby games against boys that you know.”

Ebbw head into the game on the back of pre-season wins against Tata Steel and Caldicot either side of a narrow loss at Chinnor.

The Bulls have bolstered their ranks with the signing of former Dragons back row forward Ieuan Jones as they prepare for a second campaign in the top flight.

Last season the teams met just once in the league with the Steelmen triumphing 17-8 at Eugene Cross Park.