agree with seapoint and others while having some sympathy for eithnes point of view.

there is a posting on munsterfans.com forum from m.r.s.c to members about sundays game. it call a call to arms i think. everymember got it via email as well as posting and shows some of what eitne is talking about from a link between fans and players point of view.
i would have put it here if i could so if anyone can put it up it would make interesting reading for members of a new club like this one.
they are at it a long time so the trust has built up but equally players in munster are their own critics and supporters respond to that. maybe if we heard some coming from within we wouldnt be so hard on them.

I think the players shouldn't be commenting at all these days bar the necessary media obligations. They should be answering their critics on the field. Supporters are entitled to complain if they are unhappy with certain aspects once it doesn't go too far but really the support for the team has been amazing this season given how poor we are/have been.

I don't doubt the effort is going in and imo we just don't have the players, management, gameplan experience, leadership etc. to do much and with confidence at a low ebb it makes it even harder but like all the other supporters I'll be there for every Connacht game I can roaring on encouragement.

Like above I'd be more dissapointed if supporters weren't upset with some of the games we've let slip this season. Encouragement must and will continue but the last thing we need is a happy-clappy set up which was let happen for a number of years where if we won the odd home game the attitude seemed to be:

Ah sure aren't we doing grand, we can beat anyone at the Sportsground, we don't have the squad/budget, 2nd last would be a good season and that sort of nonsense.

Standards must be high at Connacht from all parties, ceo, coaches, players and supporters.

Breifne wrote: I agree with Sea_Point and Overstrander. Ethienne says some good things, but the overriding theme seems to be that fans / supporters do not have the right to be critical, even in a constructive way. Reynecke has become one of my favourite new players because of his intensity and passion, but part of the deal professional athletes sign-up for is being scrutinized and critiqued at every turn. Yes, the comments spewed in sheer rage in the moments following a loss (e.g. "WE -_-!" or "Pure rubbish...this is an awful team", etc.) are out of bounds. But for people who love Connacht Rugby and offer level-headed criticism, for a player to even hint that such is inappropriate is complete nonsense.

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I didn't read it like that, really.

I read that as saying the players care just as much, which is something we can all be guilty of forgetting, and that we're all in this together. That's not him on his high horse, just a call to all of us. He didn't have to write anything, I think he deserves credit for opening up.

It's pro sport, nine on the bounce ain't gonna get you warm fuzzies.

Keep at it, hard work always reaps rewards sooner or later.

I agree with Sea_Point and Overstrander. Ethienne says some good things, but the overriding theme seems to be that fans / supporters do not have the right to be critical, even in a constructive way. Reynecke has become one of my favourite new players because of his intensity and passion, but part of the deal professional athletes sign-up for is being scrutinized and critiqued at every turn. Yes, the comments spewed in sheer rage in the moments following a loss (e.g. "WE -_-!" or "Pure rubbish...this is an awful team", etc.) are out of bounds. But for people who love Connacht Rugby and offer level-headed criticism, for a player to even hint that such is inappropriate is complete nonsense.

Have to agree with Sea_point.
For a short-arse Ethienne seems to have no problem climbing onto his high horse...

Yea Well said Etna I admire his honesty.....I think he is a good player and always gives his all...this article just puts him right up there now!!

Here's my response, respect his integrity but personaly not a fan of sweeping thing under the carpet...

Sea_point wrote: Fair dues Ethienne in putting your feelings out there, fully understand where you’re coming from and I’m pleased that at least one player has the guts to be open about the current state of play.

But it’s fair to say that the pressure you are experiencing hasn’t built up overnight, entry to the HEC has just shone the spotlight much more brightly on the squad than in seasons past and with that there is more pressure on each and every player to perform consistently.

To my mind I still would rather our supporters are critical of poor performances than just accept/ignore them or look for excuses before moving on to the next game to make the same mistakes. If players and supporters want to achieve anything during their careers then it has to be accompanied by a level of expectation from themselves, their team management and also those who support the team. Successful teams are able to succeed despite this pressure, and are motivated by it. Poor players use it as a reason to excuse failure.

Personally I don’t think I have heard one supporter criticise players in terms of the effort that is being put in, there has been huge support with respect to that (that's not to say that it hasn't or won't happen but "opinions are like arseholes, everyones got one" ). Every supporter has his or her own belief of what is the best XV or 22 that should go out each week, which is understandable. It’s often dictated by personality and favouritism. But by the same token our team and management needs to show us that it is learning from it’s experiences, and we are just not seeing that at the moment. Passion will only carry our team and its supporters so far, this has to be matched by intelligence, focus and execution.

Of course you all have my best wishes for the weekend and the rest of the season. And I'll be in the Shed hollering my head off on Saturday until the final whistle blows (and probably then some... ).

Very good, fair play to the man. Looking forward to the game to break the spell, can't wait to be back for the games against munster and leinster over the break

Impressive open letter to the supporters from Ethienne, it fair got my blood pumping.

officialconnachtrugby.blogspot.com/2011/...rden-of-passion.html