NIGEL Davies says the heat is on Ebbw Vale to keep improving to avoid second season syndrome in the Principality Premiership.

The Steelmen start their campaign at Swalec Cup holders Bridgend on Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm) after a stunning 2014/15.

They finished as runners-up to Pontypridd on their return to the top flight of club rugby following two Division One East and two Swalec Championship titles.

But Davies, who has taken over the reins after Jason Strange took up a full-time job with the Welsh Rugby Union, says they won't catch anyone cold this year.

"It's going to be a challenge for them this season because things have been on a roll over the last five seasons but they are not the new boys anymore," said Davies.

"They were a surprise package last season so we've really got to move our game forward to be at the same level."

Davies has big boots to fill after Strange's highly-successful spell at Eugene Cross Park but the former Wales and Scarlets coach is excited by the challenge.

"In fairness to Jason and the committee, they have created a great environment for the players, who have thrived and all play for the shirt and the club. That's a great starting point," said the ex-Wales centre.

"In terms of rugby we are pretty limited in what we can do with two training sessions a week but we have done things differently and are looking to bring some new energy to the group.

"It takes me back 20 or 30 years to when I was at Llanelli – it's just about the rugby and I am working with a great bunch of boys at a fantastic club.

"We are really looking forward to testing ourselves against the rest of the Premiership again."

Ebbw head to the Brewery Field on the back of stern pre-season encounters with English Championship sides Moseley (lost 49-31) and London Welsh (lost 22-7) that sandwiched a derby with Pontypool (won 33-0).

"Going up against two teams from the English Championship has been great and taught us a lot about ourselves," said Davies.

"We wouldn't have learnt anywhere near as much had we gone up against lesser opposition and put 50 or 60 points on them so hopefully those tough challenges will serve us well because it's important to make a good start to the campaign.

"Everyone in the league will be a little bit rusty but it will be tough at Bridgend because they are the Swalec Cup holders, have quality in their squad and will be looking for a strong start at home."