DRAGON Rod Snow is heading for his own little bit of paradise in Canada.

He leaves Newport with his family after Saturday's testimonial match which marks the end of a decade of service at Rodney Parade.

Snow, 34, is returning with wife Elizabeth and 18-month-old son Dakota to his native Newfoundland where he will help build a house in a village called Paradise.

It is a few miles outside his native St John, but from there he will plan his return to Newport which has been home for the past 10 years and will soon become his second home.

Snow has taken on almost iconic status at Rodney Parade during his eight years with Newport and two with the Dragons, his fearsome figure presenting an enormous challenge to all opposition, while his wife has worked almost exclusively as a nurse at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

"It's going to be hard leaving and I'd love to come back for a long weekend every year, as long as it's around Six Nations time," said Rod.

"I've loved the place. The people have amazed me. People complain about the weather, but it's a lot more timid here than where I'm going. You can be anywhere in the world but if you surround yourself with the right people, you'll be happy."

Elizabeth admitted: "We would have no problem staying if our family were here but unfortunately Dakota and our new baby when born would not know their grandparents and the rest of their family.

"It's going to be really hard and emotional. There's been a huge family atmosphere at the club since day one and it's been the same at the hospital with staff and patients.

"Rod is already planning for to return for the Six Nations, but he's not coming without me!"