THE knowledge Ebbw Vale shared his ambition persuaded John Bowd to rebuff offers from the club's Premiership rivals and sign to stay at Eugene Cross Park.

Bowd, who has made 21 appearances in the back row for the Steelmen this campaign despite carrying a painful knee injury, has agreed terms to be at the club next season.

The 27-year-old's strong-running and leadership qualities meant that he was always likely to attract the attentions of clubs with big cheque books.

But a chat with head coach Pat Horgan convinced him that he was best served staying put rather than heading to the Gnoll or the Arms Park.

"It's a relief to get it sorted," admitted Bowd, who is unsure whether he will retain the captaincy. "There were a couple of offers there from a pair of clubs that I mulled over but after talking to Pat I knew I wanted to stay.

"It was never about money for me, the big thing was that the club wants to improve and be ambitious, and that is definitely the case with Pat and the rest of the people here.

"I want to play in cup finals and win the league.

"We have got used to life at the top in the last couple of seasons and that is the next step.

"There is the need to strengthen the squad and build on what we have got and I am sure that we will do that over the summer.

"We have been hit hard by injuries this year but a couple of signing will add to a squad that is already pretty strong."

Bowd is poised to go under the knife to get his knee trouble sorted and will miss most of the Steelmen's pre-season preparation.

That means he will not be able to play rugby league this summer but the flanker, who has starred for Wales A in the 13-man game, is pledging to be fit for Vale's first game of the season.

"Neath will obviously be favourites again next season but we will be looking to hang onto their coat tails," said Bowd.

"I definitely think we can go on from what we have achieved in the past couple of seasons."