Advertisement
Burns: "I'll bounce back." James Crombie/INPHO
Crash and Burns

'Today was an ultimate low': Freddie Burns apologises for showboating horror show

Out-half Rhys Priestland says celebrations are something that Bath need to address as a squad.

FREDDIE BURNS HAS apologised and vowed to bounce back after his premature celebration cost Bath victory in their opening Heineken Champions Cup match.

With Bath trailing Toulouse 22-20 at the Rec on Saturday, Burns missed a simple penalty directly in front of the posts, but then had a chance to make amends almost immediately when he darted over the line five minutes from time.

But the full-back started his celebrations before grounding the ball — blowing a kiss to the crowd and touching the club badge on his jersey — allowing Maxime Medard to steal in and knock the ball out of his hand.

Toulouse held on for a 22-20 victory and a big away win that might well be pivotal in Pool 1.

“Love this sport for the highs and the lows,” a devastated Burns tweeted on Saturday evening.

“Today was an ultimate low and a mistake I’ll learn from. I’ll continue to give my best as I always do.

“Lastly just apologies to the boys and the supporters for the mistake. I’ll bounce back… thanks for the support.”

“It is probably something we need to speak about as a squad – celebrating before we score tries,” out-half Rhys Priestland told The Telegraph.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am not pointing the figure at Freddie. He hasn’t cost us the game. We weren’t good enough. But as a squad, I just can’t believe we celebrate before we put the ball down.”

Subscribe to our new podcast, Heineken Rugby Weekly on The42, here:

Your Voice
Readers Comments
22
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel