These are challenging times for Munster Rugby, but while matters on and off the pitch have left many despondent, Jack Crowley insists the onus is on the players to deliver.
Last month the province offered voluntary redundancies to staff in an effort to alleviate financial pressure, while results on the pitch have done little to lift the gloom.
One win from four ensured an early exit from the Champions Cup before Exeter Chiefs sent them packing from the Challenge Cup.
They have four games left in the BKT URC regular season – including two interprovincial derbies – to earn a top-eight finish and secure participation in next season's Champions Cup.
Currently occupying seventh position, it could be a scrap to the finish, starting with Saturday’s trip to Stadio Comunale di Monigo to take on Benetton.
The current coaching ticket only has a few games left to eke out better performances, with attack coach Mike Prendergast departing for Bath and forwards Alex Codling linked with a move to Top 14 side Toulon.
New Zealander Roger Randle, who previously worked with head coach Clayton McMillan at the Chiefs, was confirmed as Prendergast's replacement following Crowley's media duties as Pinergy brand ambassador.
The out-half says such speculation is part and parcel of the game, without being drawn whether the players have been told of any incomings.
"Last week we had a few days together reflecting on our performances," the 26-year-old told RTÉ Sport. "We have been so focused on that, and training.
"It’s nothing we’re not used to. Whatever might be external, you have to control what you can control in front of you.
"All our energy has been focused on delivering on the field."
Donal Lenihan suggested in the aftermath of the Exeter defeat that Munster fans have lost faith in the organisation, with Crowley cognisant of the impact the trimming of the staff will have on the group.
"It’s a massive community all around the world, people tune in to watch Munster," he said. "We know how fortunate we are to represent the jersey. It’s important to acknowledge that. It’s a game we play, but ultimately, people are what matter most.
"A lot of people in the squad have family, friends and connections to people in the organisation. It’s a certain motivator for us. When we put out a performance at the weekend, that’s who we are representing. We want the people of Munster to see a performance they are proud of."
By his own admission, it has been a season of "ups and downs". Some issues off the tee have been tempered by commanding performances in the Munster jersey, even with results not going their way.
At international level he fought his way back during the Six Nations to reclaim the starting out-half jersey amid the intense scrutiny over his battle with Sam Prendergast for the 10 jersey.
Accepting that Munster’s European displays in particular have been below par, the Cork man was asked why that has been the case.
"It’s probably down to delivering the basics under pressure. That’s ultimately what has cost us in games," he said.
"We have had some great performances, but some performances where we have given opposition too much of a head start. There has been a lot of disappointment in European over the last few years, but it is what you make of it.
"You look at how you can ensure you are in the best possible shape as a teams so you can be in a better position this time next year.
"The fight it takes to win in Europe is what makes it such a big competition, what makes every game so competitive. That’s why it is such an amazing competition."
European focus is for next year however, with a quest to rise up the URC ladder and make the play-offs vital to salvage something from this campaign.
After Benetton, McMillan’s side have Thomond Park dates against Ulster and Lions sandwiched by a first visit to the newly developed Dexcom Stadium in Galway.
"We have great belief as a group," he said. "We have a great focus. No-one really knows who will end up in the play-offs, there well be chopping and changing.
"That’s why our focus is on Benetton. Yes, we know where we want to be, but to be able to give ourselves the best chance of doing that, we need to focus on this weekend’s game."
Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and email us at sportpodcasts@rte.ie
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Follow our live blog on Ireland v Italy in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday from 5.40pm, and listen to live commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
