PREMIERSHIP title winner Dan Haymond will have a last hurrah at Eugene Cross Park for Ebbw Vale after announcing his retirement at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old has spent 11 campaigns with the Steelmen, racking up 210 appearances for the club.

The fly-half/full-back helped Ebbw to win a Division One East title, a pair of Championship crowns and scored the last try in the famous Premiership grand final win against Pontypridd at Sardis Road in 2016.

Haymond is in talks with the club about staying on in another capacity but the Premiership clash with Bridgend tomorrow evening (kick-off 7.30pm) will be his last as a player.

"When everyone says to you rugby is a short career you always brush it off and think you have ages left. Unfortunately it has crept up on me pretty quickly and it's time to hang up the boots," said Haymond, who joined from Tredegar.

"Ebbw vale has been a massive part of my life over the last 12 years or so. To say I have been here that long is unreal I didn't think I'd last a pre-season let alone all those years.

"We have had some unbelievable highs and some real lows but the club is on its way back up and I can't wait to see us back at the top.

"Just want to say a massive thank you to all the boys I've played with and against, we've had some serious players come through Ebbw since I been here and it has been a pleasure to play with all of you, past and present. I have made lifelong friends through this club.

"The coaches that have been here during my time also, I would like to say a massive thank you to Jason [Strange] especially, as he was the coach that bought me in and it's quite fitting that he is back now to see me out.

Dan Haymond kicks for the Steelmen

Dan Haymond kicks for the Steelmen

"Also my wife and kids, they have had to put up with me being out of the house all the time, away on the weekends to go to places like RGC and putting up with me when we lost or when I wasn't happy with how I played.

"The biggest thank you has to go to the 'Ebbw Addicts' – Ebbw Vale has to have one of the best group of supporters in Wales.

"They outnumber most teams, home and away, and I will miss the bank full of addicts supporting the boys, win or lose.

"I promise you a lot more winning is on its way after a tough couple years. The boys are working so hard to get back there for you guys.

"Thank you all for everything and good luck to the boys that are lucky enough to put the jersey on next season. I hope you enjoy it and treasure it half as much as I have."

Ebbw chairman Jon Jones paid tribute to the stalwart for his impact on and off the field.

"Dan's ability on the field has been witnessed by many and he has been highly respected by all who played, coached and competed against him but what may will not have seen is the positive influence he has been at the club over his time here," said Jones.

"He is a man of few words but all listened when he spoke and he has been one of the easiest players to deal with off the field, a man with great values, honesty and genuine love for the club he joined."

Ebbw finish their campaign against Bridgend and will climb above Swansea into ninth if they triumph with a bonus.