KINGSLEY Jones believes the "exhausting" work done in pre-season will pay off for Worcester Rugby Club later in the league campaign.

The flanker, who was this week confirmed as Worcester's new skipper for their vital season ahead in National One, revealed the pain the squad had endured in their opening three week's of training, has pulled team-mates together.

New fitness coach Peter Finch has worked the squad hard in a bid to test physical endurance and for some, said Jones, it was a shock to the system.

"I knew Peter Finch and of course John Brain from our time at Gloucester," he said. "Therefore I knew what to expect in the first month of training -- we would be worked very hard.

"I think when the coaches told the squad what would happen, some thought they were kidding! But I knew they weren't.

"Physically it has been very tough and we have been going away from training drained. However, if we want to compete in the top league, we have to prepare like a Premiership team.

"Although it is tough, you get through it and help others through it. That support will pay off later on in the season when you are stuck on a muddy pitch, relying on other players to help you.

"The spirit so far in the camp has been outstanding which obviously bodes well considering how little time many of the players have known one another."

The former Welsh international is determined to get back into the big time after dropping down a division after his switch from Kingsholm to Sixways.

And he believes the skipper needs to set an example for the rest of the squad if Worcester are to gain promotion to the Zurich Premiership this season.

"I have to gain the players' respect as captain because there are many new faces at the club. However, I will lead from the front and will never ask anyone to do something I would not be prepared to do myself."