Reynecke rallies Connacht support

CONNACHT hooker Ethienne Reynecke has poured his heart out to the province’s supporters — pleading with them to stay behind the players amid a nine-game losing streak.

The South African, who joined from the Stormers during the summer, issued a “call to arms” via a blog post on Connacht Catch Up yesterday, entitled ‘The Burden of Passion’, ahead their Heineken Cup clash with Gloucester.

“Contrary to popular belief, playing rugby is not all about the pay cheque at the end of the day. And herein is my message to the supporters,” he wrote.

“Rugby is a game that is driven by passion and makes a man search the depths of his soul to see what he is made off. In order for a man to go put his heart and soul into every physical attrition week in and week out, he needs more than money. He needs to be given purpose! And who provides that purpose?? You supporters!!! [sic]”

“Losing so many close games... has not only upset you the supporter, it hit the players and management where it hurts, and has created a unimaginable pressure on us the players and the coaching staff.

“But I’m not writing this blog to moan or complain. This is a call to arms to stay positive and keep supporting. ! Revenge is the theme of our approach to the game against Gloucester this week, and the supporters are definitely in the back of our minds while devising a strategy to make the sweet taste of victory sweet for us all!

“So next time you are angry that things didn’t go our way, post words of encouragement and support, rather than write negative comments on FB [Facebook] or whatever social media network. We are all together in carrying this ‘Burden of Passion’.”

Picture: Acrobatic Connacht flanker Johnny O’Connor entertains his team during squad training at the Sportsground yesterday. Picture: INPHO