The Wizards have been working hard with fitness coach Kevin Ellis, putting in the hard yards ahead of the new campaign.
And if last Saturday’s 40-0 win over Pontypool is anything to go by, things are looking up at the Talbot Athletic Ground.
“Pre-season has gone well. The squad have worked hard and are looking forward to the start of the season,” said King.
“We have had excellent numbers and competition for places has increased. All the coaches have made valuable contributions and senior players have bought into the plan. Their input is a vital ingredient to continued growth and development of the team.
“Every player realises the standards improve year on year and if they want to be part of it, they have to work as hard as they possibly can. It is their responsibility and they constantly challenge each other.”
After an inconsistent run last season, Aberavon finished in ninth place. King though, is hoping for a significant improvement this time around.
“Saturday’s game against Pontypool was a useful exercise and the players were glad to get a game under their belt,” he added.
“It was great to see a good crowd and we all enjoyed being back at the Talbot Athletic ground which itself was also looking good. There’s no place like home and the ground was in excellent condition. Thankfully we gave everyone a run out and managed to play some tidy rugby.
“There is still plenty to do and we can only get better through hard work, commitment and a real sense of purpose. Honesty is the key and with a disciplined, enjoyable work ethic, we can look forward to the challenge with confidence.”
Part of that confidence has come from the work the squad have done with Ellis.
The Aberavon fitness coach added: “Pre-season has started earlier this year and the sessions have been gruelling for the boys.
“There has been an increase in the dynamic drills at the start of each session finishing up with more rugby based skills sessions at the end.
“The work that is being put in over pre-season will make us one of the fittest teams in the Welsh Premiership and will hopefully increase our playing skills during games when you are out on your feet.
“This was shown last season where we won 10 out of our last 14 fixtures where the hard work comes through at the end.”
