Foto: Dave Wels
It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I almost don’t have the words for what we experienced on Saturday. What I can say is this: we have the best supporters in the country. We felt it all season, we felt it in the build up to the final, we felt it in Amsterdam, and we felt it again when we returned home to our club.
To every single person who supported us throughout the year, and to the hundreds who travelled to Amsterdam: thank you. You showed once again that The Dukes is not just a club, it is a family.
When my wife and I arrived here 18 months ago from South Africa, we hoped to find a place to play rugby. What we found was something far greater. We were welcomed as family from day one. That is something we never expected, but it is exactly what this community does. Not just for us, but for anyone who walks through the doors and respects the values of our sport and our club.
As a players group, we owe you so much.
We feel your support every single day.
In victory and in defeat.
When things go well and when things get tough.
When a player suffers a serious injury and needs the club around him.
In the house where some of us are lucky enough to stay.
In the countless ways (big and small) that you show we belong here.
We are proud that we could stand on the field this season alongside our youth players, from the U8s to the U18s. Proud to share in the U18 championship. Proud to be part of this family.
We pick each other up when someone is down.
We leave no one behind.
That is who we are.
On behalf of the entire players group:
Thank you for everything.
Your support means more than you will ever know.
Niel Otto
Captain, Dukes 1