Chris Davies | Head Coach, Aberavon RFC

As we reach the end of the opening block of the season, it is important to reflect honestly on where we find ourselves, recognise the challenges we have faced and, above all, reinforce our belief in the people representing Aberavon RFC.

Eight games, one victory and seven defeats. Those numbers are not good enough for this rugby club, and nobody within our changing room is pretending otherwise.

But there is something I want to make absolutely clear.

My belief in this group of players has not wavered. Not for a single moment.

It is easy to back people when everything is going well. The real test of loyalty, leadership and character comes when results are going against you and questions are being asked.

Having spent 20 years at Aberavon as a player and coach, I understand the expectations that come with representing this club. I also know the commitment of the people inside our changing room.

Nobody is hiding. Nobody has stopped working. And nobody has given up.

What the Numbers Tell Us

We have undertaken a detailed review of our opening eight matches, and the statistics provide an honest picture of where we must improve, but also where progress is being made.

Across the block, we have averaged 22.6 points scored and 39.1 conceded per match. We have also enjoyed an average of 54% territory, suggesting that getting into the right areas of the field has not always been our problem. Making those opportunities count has.

Defensively, there are encouraging signs. Between rounds two and four, we conceded an average of 63.7 points per game. Across our final four fixtures, that figure fell to 26.3.

Our two performances against Llandovery illustrate that improvement. Having conceded 66 points in our first meeting, we reduced that to 27 in our most recent encounter. Our tackle completion improved from 76% to 85%, while the number of times they broke through our defensive line fell from 12 to five.

That is genuine progress, although there is still considerable work ahead.

We are also losing possession almost 18 times per game, far too frequently to build sustained pressure or consistently win rugby matches.

The message is simple: we are improving in certain areas, but improvement must now translate into victories.

The People Behind the Jersey

One of the most encouraging aspects of this difficult opening block has been the morale and togetherness within our squad. Despite the disappointment, the players have continued to work hard and support one another.

That speaks volumes about the character of this group.

I also want to recognise our coaching team of Garyn Smith, Stef Andrews, Sam Williams, Ashton Evans, Rhys Henry and Charlie Jones, alongside our medical staff, management and volunteers.

The hours invested behind the scenes are enormous, often alongside demanding full-time jobs and young families.

Injuries have made establishing a consistent team particularly difficult. That is a reality, not an excuse. We must find solutions with the players available to us.

Our final fixture also marked Luke Davies’ 200th appearance for Aberavon, a tremendous achievement that reflects years of loyalty, sacrifice and commitment to the jersey. Luke deserves enormous congratulations on reaching such a significant milestone.

Standing Together

To our supporters, I want to start by saying thank you.

I know how much this rugby club means to you. For many, Aberavon is far more than something to do on a Saturday afternoon. It is part of your family, your friendships and your identity. Generations have stood on the terraces of the Talbot Athletic Ground, sharing the highs and lows that come with supporting the Wizards.

I understand how disappointing this opening block has been, particularly for those who give up their time and money to follow us home and away. Your loyalty and passion are never taken for granted.

I also know that, like us, you want nothing more than to see Aberavon competing, playing with pride and winning rugby matches.

We share those ambitions, and we are working tirelessly to achieve them.

During difficult periods, the connection between a team and its supporters becomes even more important. The encouragement from the terraces, the conversations around the club and the feeling that we are all pulling in the same direction can make an enormous difference to a group of players.

We want to give you performances to be proud of, and we want you to feel part of everything we are working towards.

As Head Coach, I also want to make my position absolutely clear.

These are my players. This is my coaching team. And they have my complete and unconditional backing. Every single one of them.

But let me be equally clear. Belief is unconditional. Standards are not.

Backing people does not mean accepting poor performances, avoiding difficult conversations or lowering expectations. Quite the opposite. It means believing in them enough to challenge them, demand more from them and stand alongside them when things are difficult.

We now have an opportunity to recharge, reflect and prepare for the next block, beginning at Pontypool on 21 November.

There will be difficult conversations, changes to our preparation and greater demands placed on everyone.

But there will be no change in my belief.

We are not looking for sympathy. We are not looking for excuses. And we are certainly not giving up.

I am proud to lead this group, and I firmly believe we have the character and determination to turn our fortunes around.

We will do it together.

Chris Davies