Following his appointment as Head Coach of Aberavon Rugby Club, Chris Davies sat down to discuss the club’s direction, squad evolution and the identity he wants the Wizards to build moving into a landmark 150th anniversary season.

Q: Chris, firstly congratulations. What does becoming Head Coach of Aberavon Rugby Club mean to you?

It means a huge amount.

I’ve spent 20 years at this club—10 as a player and 10 as a coach—so this place means a lot to me personally.

I care deeply about the club, the supporters and the people around it, so to now lead Aberavon into such an important season is something I’m extremely proud of.

Q: You stepped into the Interim Head Coach role in January during a difficult period for the club. What did that experience teach you?

It reinforced how important resilience, standards and togetherness are within a rugby environment.

Results were difficult, confidence was low and there was pressure around the group, but throughout that period the players and management kept turning up every week prepared to work and improve.

That period highlighted areas where we need to grow, but it also showed the character that still exists within this club.

Now it is about using those lessons to build an environment capable of competing consistently.

Q: What have been the biggest priorities since taking on the role?

Clarity, standards and building the right environment.

There have been a lot of honest conversations with players and backroom staff around where we are as a club and what is required moving forward.

Every decision we make now must move the club forward.

We want edge in the environment. We want competitiveness every day. We want people who embrace accountability, challenge each other and drive standards.

That must become part of who we are.

Q: There has been a lot of movement within the squad. What would you say to supporters about that?

There is a clear strategy behind it.

This league plays an important role in developing young players and we believe strongly in giving players opportunities to grow and play meaningful rugby.

At the same time, we also recognise the importance of experience and leadership within the squad. We probably lacked that 25 to 30 age profile that can help guide younger players and manage difficult moments within games.

So while supporters will see change, the focus is on building the right balance within the squad—youth, experience, competitiveness and ambition.

Q: Two senior figures in Joe Gage and Geraint James are also moving on. How significant are those departures?

Very significant.

Joe Gage and Geraint James have given outstanding service to this club and between them made nearly 400 appearances.

Joe sadly retires through injury, while Geraint leaves the game on his own terms, but both leave behind a massive legacy.

Players like that bring standards, leadership and presence within an environment and naturally that leaves a void.

But rugby moves forward and part of our responsibility now is developing the next generation of leaders within this club. That takes time, but it is an important part of the journey we are on.

Q: What can supporters expect from an Aberavon side under your leadership?

A team that competes in everything it does.

We want to play an attacking brand of rugby that excites both players and supporters alike.

We want to defend like our try line is sacred.

We want a set piece that dominates games and becomes feared, we want our rugby to be feared!!

We want edge in our environment and competitiveness every single day.

But none of that is given.

We earn every inch.

That identity must be reflected in everything we do.

Q: Next season marks the club’s 150th anniversary. How important is that to the group?

Massively important.

A season like that should mean something to everybody connected to the club.

It is an opportunity to create a season supporters, players and staff can be proud of and one that reflects the history and identity of Aberavon Rugby Club.

That responsibility should excite us all.

Q: Finally, what message would you like to give the supporters?

Thank you for your loyalty and support.

This club has shown tremendous resilience through a difficult period and now it is about moving forward together with purpose, ambition and clarity.

The work has already started.