Second row Hudd has been at the heart of the return to the top flight of the Steelemen after they dropped down the leagues into Division 1. Their climb back to the top culminated in winning the Principality Premiership title in 2016.
A tough-as-teak competitor, Hudd’s inspirational leadership saw him captain Ebbw Vale from 2010 to 2017 and overtake Gareth Howls’ record of four seasons in charge. He had previously captained Wales Under 19 and won caps for Wales at rugby league.
“Eight years ago I made the decision to leave Brynmawr and jon Ebbw Vale, taking a leap of faith in a club that had so much history, passion and desire to get back to where they belonged,” said Hudd.
I joined with massive amounts of nerves and knew it would be hard even just to make the cut. I never knew that it would lead to something that I will hold so special and close to my heart.
“There are so many individuals to thank for my time at the club – the backroom staff , without who the club wouldn’t run, the amazing coaches, and the magic supporters.
“Without my team mates, without the boys I call best friends, even family, I would have been just another player. Behind any successful captain there is always the best team, best friends.
“Every teammate that has worn that special red, white and green shirt, sometimes pink, purple, blue, I will hold close to my heart and close in my memories forever. I think I’ve had a lucky time.
“I came to a club that had been struggling so there was only really one way we as a team could have gone. Leagues won, Championships won and even Premierships won – they were never really my titles, and even winning Premiership Player of the Year last year was only because of the incredible team I had around me.
“So, it’s with a very sad and, in other ways, happy heart that I leave Ebbw in the hands of the new captain, new coaches and hopefully some new fans too. It’s time to take the new challenges that come with playing and coaching back at my old club Brynmawr.
“This decision has been the hardest made in my rugby life, but I think it’s best for me and for the club. I’ve loved everything that has been involved in being an Ebbw Vale Steelman.”
Under Hudd’s ‘up and at ‘em’ leadership the Steelmen won the following titles:
Division 1 East – 2010/11 and 2011/12
National Championship – 2012/13 and 2013/14
Principality Premiership – 2015/16
They were also WRU National Cup semi-finalists and Premiership runners-up. This season they reached Tier 1 in the Premiership, but ended up in seventh place and missed out on the Play-Offs.
Hudd was named the Principality Premiership ‘Player of the Year’ in 2016 after leading his side to the title with a resounding victory over reigning champions Pontypridd at Sardis Road. He was also voted the club’s ‘Man of Steel’.
Having started his career in the season Ebbw Vale were relegated, playing in two matches, it took a big effort by Ebbw Vale chairman Jon Jones to convince Hudd to join the club on a full time basis.
He finally signed in June, 2010, and went on to become one of the club‘s greatest servants, scoring 12 tries in 160 matches. He also battled back from a string of serious injuries, refusing to have his carer cut short
“Having been the person who persuaded Damien to play those two games in the relegation season it was obvious to me that this was a player, a man, who we could build our team around,” explained the Ebbw Vale chairman.
“He finally signed for Ebbw Vale in the middle of June, 2010, and from that season he grew into the captaincy of the club. He saw it as an honour and wanted to lead us back to the Premiership.
“Despite a few set-backs he never wavered in this objective and was delighted when we finally achieved this. Off the field Damien is a quiet and considered person with good personal values and ethics that belied his forcefulness on the field.
“There are three moments for me that have summed up Damien and how he changed his career over his seven seasons with us:
Five days later ,Damien was sent off in a league game. He came and saw me after the game and apologised. “Sorry Jon, the boys were getting a kicking and the ref was ignoring it, so I thought I’d better sort it.” I now can’t remember the last time Damian has been sent off or yellow carded.
After we had lost to a very good Pontypridd side in the Premiership final, Damien again came over to me and said, “Jon I’m sorry we didn’t win, but I promise you we will be back and win this next year.” A promise he kept in some style! The only downside being a rib crushing sweaty bear hug from him as the pitch celebrations started! With his knee injuries catching up with him and slowing him down on the field. Damian made the decision to change his diet and training and he did this with great commitment. This allowed him to up his game contribution and led to him being crowned Premiership Player of the Year. This is a great tribute to Damian’s mental strength and desire to be the best he could for his club.
“There have been some great descriptions of Damian in press reports and opposition match programmes. He has often been described as the ‘Talismanic leader of the Steelmen’. My personal favorite was: ‘The warrior like and splendidly inked Ebbw Vale Captain’, which paid homage to his great love of tattoos as well as his ability as a rugby player.
“He has been the rock on which our success has been built, a steady influence as coaches departed. I thank him for everything he has done for the club; his loyalty, friendship and I look forward to a future discussion on him coaching the Steelmen.
“Chelsea football club have just seen their long time captain move on. I would like to borrow their description of him and apply it to Damien – CAPTAIN LEADER LEGEND.“
