EBBW Vale fly-half Rhys Jones is to leave Eugene Cross Park after a season to join Principality Premiership champions Merthyr.

The 31-year-old former Dragons and Scarlets playmaker became a Steelman last summer, following in the footsteps of his father Kingsley and younger brother Dorian.

The Wales Sevens international was a leading figure in helping Ebbw keep well clear of the relegation dogfight, finishing as Gwent’s top team in fifth place.

But Jones, who was the league’s top points scorer, will now head for the Wern to pull the strings for Merthyr, who will be chasing a fourth title on the spin in 2019/20.

The fly-half confirmed his departure on Monday’s Premiership awards night when his new club landed the top honours.

Merthyr captain Craig Locke was named as player of the year and the Ironmen’s Dale McIntosh landed the coach of the year honour.

Cardiff Blues prospect Ben Thomas was best newcomer after his stellar season for the Blue and Blacks, who won the WRU National Cup and finished second in the league.

Referee of the year went to Adam Jones for the third season, Pontypridd’s Alex Webber was top try scorer and the Sardis Road side also won the fairplay award for best disciplinary record.

A special recognition award went to Bridgend’s Derrick King, the Ravens’ long-serving chairman who has terminal cancer.