REYNOLDS HAILS RAMS’ ‘EXCEPTIONALLY POSITIVE’ TOUR

DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds hailed ‘an exceptionally positive tour’ despite Rams’ narrow 19-17 reverse at Terenure College in Dublin.

Having defeated Lansdowne 33-10 on Thursday night, the Berkshire side were edged out despite Ben Henderson and Finn Matthews scores and a penalty try, the hosts going over through Mike Murphy and two penalty tries of their own.

Looking back at the four-day trip, Reynolds said: “The Irish can play some rugby.

“Terenure lost in the final of the All-Ireland League last year to a strong Clontarf side, so we knew it was going to be a tough game.

“It was a hot day, the sun was beating down and both teams put in a very physical performance – in terms of pre-season preparations, they should be very proud of what they produced.”

He continued: “Normally pre-season builds up, but both games have felt almost like league encounters because of the competitive nature.

“Both teams perhaps got lured in by the sunshine and there wasn’t much kicking for territory, but there’s nothing wrong with that

– it’s good conditioning and the players were very tired at the end.

“Defensively it’s been a positive start, but it is just a start. There’s still lots to work on although there are lots of encouraging things we’ve seen.”

A number of new recruits were involved for the first time and Reynolds was quick to pay tribute to both their efforts, and the squad as a whole.

He said: “Coming on tour I knew most of our lads and they’d put all the effort in, they’d be professional in their approach and they’d let their hair down when given the chance.

“But you do wonder what the new lads would be like, and to a man they were exceptional.

“The likes of Dan Swain, Mana Cakau, Terrel Harry, it’s the first time with the club on tour and they’re just great blokes who’ve really integrated well.”